Over 500,000 tourists recorded in H1 2023; 1.2m tourists target to be met by year-end – Ghana Tourism Authority says
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has unveiled an encouraging resurgence in the tourism sector, marking a notable recovery from the detrimental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first half of this year, the GTA has registered an impressive count of 500,000 visitors, signifying a significant stride towards the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture’s target of 1.2 million tourists for the year.
This resurgence takes on a compelling dimension when observed on a quarterly basis, with the initial quarter of 2023 recording 247,834 visitors – a figure that has been more than doubled in the succeeding months. The trajectory not only underscores the sector’s resilience but also highlights its capacity for rapid revival.
Akwasi Agyeman, the CEO of GTA, shared these promising figures during an editors’ forum held in Accra under the ministry’s aegis. With cautious optimism, Agyeman expressed confidence in surpassing the overarching international arrivals target by the year’s conclusion.
The optimism extends to the realm of revenue as well. The Ministry and GTA have set their sights on an estimated tourism revenue of US$3.4 billion – a substantial ascent from the US$2 billion garnered in the preceding year.
The forum itself was conceived to fortify ties between the ministry and the media, fostering discourse on pivotal sector policies while seeking media support. Agyeman unveiled certain events earmarked for the forthcoming ‘December in GH’, revealing ongoing preparations encompassing visa acquisition, sanitation upkeep, and stakeholder engagement.
While the targets laid out might appear audacious, Agyeman believes they are within reach, citing the current influx of visitors and the positive trajectory of the tourism year.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the Minister of the sector, elucidated on the country’s ambitious tourism drive, aptly named ‘Destination Ghana’. With a strategic vision aimed at attaining two million domestic and international arrivals by 2025, alongside a corresponding revenue of US$5 billion, Ghana’s aspirations in the sector are undeniably grand.
One facet of this strategy involves the modernization of key tourism facilities. Projects are already underway, with the National Museum and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park receiving a facelift. Dr. Awal also revealed plans to modernize additional sites, including the Dubois Centre, Osu Castle, Bonwire Kente Museum, and more.
The momentum of Ghana’s tourism sector is further augmented by its connectivity. With over 20 international airlines operating from Ghana, the nation is positioning itself as a prominent player in the regional landscape.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ghana’s Information Minister, echoed the importance of media involvement in enhancing the sector’s visibility. Acknowledging the media’s potential to magnify Ghana’s tourism allure to a global audience, Nkrumah implored editors to actively contribute to this pivotal endeavour.
