Domestic tourism recorded more than 15 million trips in 2023, generating an estimated GHS 6.6 billion in total spending, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The figures were contained in findings from the Domestic Visitors’ Survey released by the GSS, which highlight the scale and economic importance of domestic travel to Ghana’s economy.
The survey shows that domestic movement continues to be a major driver of economic activity, with spending directed mainly into local transport, food services, accommodation and community-based businesses across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the report, the Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, stressed that tourism growth should not be viewed solely through the lens of international arrivals.
“This momentum has brought a powerful reminder that tourism is not only about international arrivals. It is also about Ghanaians discovering Ghana, investing in local experiences, and breathing economic life into the communities and sites they visit,” he said.
According to the survey, domestic overnight travel accounted for the largest share of expenditure, contributing about GHS 4.8 billion, representing 73 per cent of total domestic tourism spending. Same-day domestic trips generated approximately GHS 1.8 billion, equivalent to 27 per cent of total spending.
The data further show that most tourism-related spending occurred during trips rather than before or after travel.
Dr Iddrisu said the survey provides detailed insights into travel behaviour and spending patterns across the country, offering valuable data for policy and planning.
“The findings give us the clarity to identify the regions that attract the most movement, the types of activities that drive domestic trips, the socio-economic profile of travellers, and the value of the spending that circulates within our borders,” he noted.
The report indicates that domestic tourism is largely driven by working-age adults. Persons aged between 25 and 44 years accounted for 41.1 per cent of same-day trips and 35.2 per cent of overnight trips, reflecting the high mobility of the economically active population.
Social activities remained the main motivation for travel. More than 80 per cent of overnight trips and about 70 per cent of same-day trips were undertaken to visit friends and relatives or attend funerals, underscoring the influence of family ties, culture and social events on travel patterns.
In terms of travel arrangements, the survey revealed that more than 95 per cent of domestic trips were self-organised, with most journeys undertaken by road, mainly using buses and minivans.
The GSS said the Domestic Visitors’ Survey provides nationally representative data to support tourism planning, guide investment decisions and strengthen the development of Ghana’s Tourism Satellite Account.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
