Domestic tourism in Ghana generated an estimated GH₵6.6 billion in 2023 from more than 15 million domestic trips, according to the Ghana Statistical Service’s Domestic Visitors’ Survey.
The findings underscore the growing importance of domestic travel as a major contributor to economic activity, with spending benefiting transport operators, accommodation providers, food services, and community-based businesses across the country.
Speaking at the release, Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu said tourism growth is not limited to international arrivals, noting that domestic travel remains critical to sustaining the sector and expanding its economic impact nationwide.
The survey shows that overnight trips accounted for about GH₵ 4.8 billion, representing 73 percent of total domestic tourism spending, while same-day travel contributed approximately GH₵1.8 billion, or 27 percent. In both cases, most expenditure occurred during the trips.
Adults aged 25 to 44 years were the most active domestic travellers, making up 41.1 percent of same-day trips and 35.2 percent of overnight travel.
Social activities dominated travel purposes, with more than 80 percent of overnight trips and around 70 percent of same-day trips linked to visiting friends and relatives or attending funerals.
The survey also found that over 95 percent of domestic trips were self-arranged, with road transport—mainly buses and minibuses—remaining the primary mode of travel.
The Domestic Visitors’ Survey provides nationally representative data to support tourism planning, investment prioritisation, and the development of Ghana’s Tourism Satellite Account.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
