The country earned $4.8 billion in revenue from international tourism in 2024, representing a significant 27% increase over the $3.8 billion recorded in 2023, according to the latest Ghana Tourism Report released by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
The revenue surge came on the back of strong visitor numbers, with 1.2 million international arrivals in 2024, up from 1.1 million in 2023, marking a 25% year-on-year growth in inbound tourism.
The findings underscore the country’s steady tourism recovery trajectory since the COVID-19 pandemic, the report indicated.
The GTA’s 2024 Annual Tourism Report, now a consistent yearly publication since 2019, offers a comprehensive analysis of the industry’s performance, drawing on primary data collected from tourist interviews at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) and surveys at major tourism enterprises in Accra and Takoradi during the popular “December in Ghana” (DiGH) festivities. Secondary data were provided by the Ghana Immigration Service and hospitality institutions across the country.
Top Source Markets
According to the report, American nationals topped the list of international arrivals, with 137,000 visitors coming from the United States. Nigeria followed with 111,000 visitors, while the United Kingdom placed third with 52,000. These three countries have consistently been Ghana’s leading tourism source markets over the past few years.
Purpose of Visit
Business travel remained a key driver of inbound tourism, accounting for 22.4% of total visits. Family and friends’ visitation closely followed at 22.2%, with vacation and conference travel rounding out the top four reasons for visiting.
Points of Entry
The report also provided insights into visitor entry points. Kotoka International Airport remained the primary gateway, with over 1.1 million tourists using the airport. Aflao recorded 77,000 entries, while Elubo came in third with 53,000.
Outlook
The 2024 report noted “cautious optimism” about the future of the country’s tourism sector, citing signs of sector-wide stability and continued growth potential. The GTA said it expects future investments and marketing initiatives to sustain and build on the gains made in 2024.
The report noted that tourism remains one of Ghana’s most critical non-traditional revenue sources, and the latest figures reflect both the resilience and growing global appeal of Ghana as a premier travel destination in West Africa.
A Business Desk Report