Ghana is a stable, safe, and preferred destination for many international travelers. It is known for its tropical climate, rich cultural and historical heritage, amazing festivals, stunning coastal regions, and national parks. Ghana is a prominent business and consultant hub for many people. Although a large number of tourists travel to Ghana to have fun, there is a percentage who visit Ghana for business purposes.
The tourism authority of Ghana, in coordination with other key sectors, is working hard to turn Ghana into a leisure tourism destination. Ghana’s most popular tourist sites are ecotourism and historical destinations such as Kakum National Park, Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Kumasi Zoo, Wli Waterfalls, and the Manhyia Palace Museum.
Ecotourism is one of the most promising tourism sub-categories for the overall development of Ghana. The Twenty national parks and reserves in Ghana cover approximately 5% of Ghana’s total land, while the sandy beaches coastline covers around 540 km, making Ghana a natural ecotourism destination. The tourism industry focuses on developing ecotourism facilities in sites such as Mole National Park, Shai Hills Resource Reserve, Kakum National Park, and Achimota Forest Reserve.
Ghana has adopted various tourism trends, such as medical tourism. It is one of the emerging wellness destinations in Africa following its huge investments and hospital infrastructure development. The development of the tourism sector has diversified the wellness sector, strengthening the country’s economic stability over the recent years. Many medical students have benefited from the training.
Tourism and high-value commodities such as gold, cocoa, and oil are among the highest forex earners in Ghana. Additionally, travel and tourism greatly contribute to GDP and are a great source of employment for many Ghanaian residents. Statistics indicate that approximately 10% of the total employment in Ghana is linked to tourism.
The current leadership has invested in infrastructure upgrades to boost the general performance of the tourism industry. Several ongoing projects to upgrade roads, rails, and airports will allow increased traffic and more efficient passenger operations. Although Ghana is still in development, most infrastructure investments surround key tourist attractions to provide easier access.
Clean and calm environments are the leading factors that make tourist attractions user-friendly. Besides, other accompanying services and facilities such as eateries and hygienic accommodations.
The tourism sector of Ghana relies not only on the funding allocated in the budget but also on the Tourism Development Fund, established in 2012. As determined by Tourism Act 817, enacted in 2011, transactions in hospitality and tourism enterprises are subject to some levies. This money is set aside to fund marketing, training, and infrastructure development.
The tourism Industry leaders have continued to reassure travelers that easing the visa issuance process is a key area for reform in Ghana. Some African nations do not need a visa to travel, while other African travelers can obtain a visa on arrival.
International airports such as Kotoka International Airport have already established a new World Bank-funded Border Control and Management System to facilitate the visa process for travelers through systematic document verification and biometric traveler authentication. This has improved travel flow at the airport by creating a faster, automated process.
Conferences are one of the key categories of the tourism industry in Ghana. Statistics indicate that Conference centers are generally booked year-round. Ghana is one of the most popular countries in Africa for hosting international meetings. The Africa Open Data Conference, the annual CEO Summit, the Ghana Diaspora Homecoming Summit, and PANAFEST are some of the key events held in Ghana. The key venues include the Accra International Conference Centre, the Ghana National Theatre, and the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre.
How to Enhance the Impact of Tourism in Ghana
