Tourism sector records growth as arrivals hit 1.3m
International tourist arrivals to Ghana reached 1,306,962 in 2025, up from 1,288,804 in 2024, representing a 1.4 per cent increase.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) disclosed this in its 2025 Tourism Report, released under the theme, “Resilience and Sustainable Growth.”
According to the report, the sector recorded steady growth despite evolving global and domestic economic conditions, reflecting its resilience and adaptability.
The growth was largely driven by increased domestic tourism activity, expansion across key tourism businesses and sustained investor confidence in the industry.
Domestic tourism remained a major pillar, with more than 1.79 million visits recorded across 55 tourist sites nationwide. The GTA said this highlighted the growing importance of local travel in sustaining the sector.
The report further indicated that the number of licensed tourism enterprises rose from 6,702 in 2024 to 7,109 in 2025, signalling continued expansion.
Travel trade activities grew by 18.6 per cent, while the entertainment and conference segment recorded a 14.3 per cent increase during the period.
Visitor satisfaction levels also remained high, reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s most welcoming tourist destinations.
Cruise tourism continued its upward trend, with 18 cruise ship calls and 5,488 passengers arriving through the Tema and Takoradi ports in 2025.
Business-related travel remained the leading purpose of visit, accounting for 31 per cent of total international arrivals.
The report highlighted sustainability, innovation and adaptability as key drivers of long-term growth and competitiveness within the sector.
It noted that Ghana’s tourism development strategy was increasingly focused on sustainable and high-value offerings such as ecotourism, community-based tourism, heritage preservation and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
The GTA also emphasised efforts to integrate culture and the creative arts into tourism experiences to enhance the country’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors.
It expressed appreciation to tourism enterprises, development partners, researchers, regional offices, the media and other stakeholders for their contributions to the sector’s growth.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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