Ghana Sees Surge in Domestic Tourism with 1.68 Million Visits in 2024

Domestic tourism in Ghana reached a new high in 2024, with 1,681,985 visits to major tourist sites, representing a 19% increase over the previous year, according to the latest Tourism Report by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).

The data shows that Ghanaian residents accounted for 85.4% of all visits to selected attractions, underscoring the growing role of domestic travel in sustaining the country’s tourism sector. By contrast, visits by non-residents declined slightly by 3% year-on-year, reflecting shifting travel trends in the post-pandemic period.

The GTA attributes the growth to public investment and increased accessibility, noting in the report that: “Domestic tourism fuels local economies, revives cultural heritage and strengthens the threads of unity in our national fabric.”

Top Attractions See Record Numbers

Among the most visited sites in 2024 was the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, which led with 333,000 visitors, followed by Kakum National Park (183,757), and Bunso Arboretum (155,149). Other notable attractions included:

• Kumasi Zoo: 133,954
  
• Cape Coast Castle: 120,242
  
• Manhyia Palace Museum: 106,100
  
• Elmina Castle: 87,691
  
• Accra Zoo: 83,953
  
• Shai Hills Resource Reserve: 67,881
  
• Aburi Botanical Gardens: 52,330
  

The data reflects a broad geographic spread in visitor interest, with both coastal and inland heritage sites recording strong attendance.

Local Events and Spending Boost Regional Economies

The report highlights the economic impact of regional festivals, particularly the Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival, which drew thousands of attendees and contributed significantly to local spending. Average daily expenditure per visitor stood at GHS 1,042.16, covering food, transport, accommodation, and entertainment, further reinforcing tourism’s role in regional economic development.

With sustained public interest, improving infrastructure, and strategic event programming, the GTA views domestic tourism as a central pillar of Ghana’s tourism growth agenda. The report emphasizes that continued growth will depend on targeted investment, policy coordination, and collaboration between government and private sector actors.

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