Ghana retained its position as one of West Africa’s leading travel destinations in 2024, attracting 1,288,804 international arrivals, a 12% increase compared to the previous year, according to the latest Tourism Report released by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
- Ghana received 1,288,804 international arrivals in 2024, marking a 12% increase from the previous year.
- Major travel reasons included business (2.43%), visiting family and friends (22.29%), and holidays/vacations (22.15%).
- Visitors highly rated Ghana for hospitality, cultural heritage, cuisine, and safety, with 88% recognizing it as an ideal destination.
Business travel leads motivations
The report indicates that 2.43% of visitors came primarily for business, making it the most common reason for travel to Ghana in 2024. Travel for study or teaching accounted for 7.06%, while visits to family and friends comprised 22.29%. Holidays or vacations followed closely with 22.15%, showing a relatively balanced distribution among the top travel motivations.
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Other purposes cited by visitors included attendance at conferences, cultural festivals, sports events, and transit travel.
Kotoka International Airport tops entry points
Kotoka International Airport remained the primary entry gateway, handling over 1.13 million of the total arrivals. Major land borders such as Aflao, Elubo, and Paga also served as key entry points for regional travellers.
U.S., Nigeria, and U.K. top source markets
The United States led in visitor numbers, contributing 137,862 arrivals, followed by Nigeria with 111,581, and the United Kingdom with 52,845. These three countries alone accounted for a significant proportion of inbound travel, reflecting Ghana’s strong business ties and cultural connections with its diaspora.
Strong tourism appeal and satisfaction
A remarkable 88% of international respondents rated Ghana as an “ideal tourism destination.” Visitors highlighted Ghanaian hospitality (94%), cultural heritage (39%), local cuisine (28%), and safety (39%) as key elements influencing their positive experiences.
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The report further noted high levels of visitor satisfaction, with 78% describing their overall stay as “excellent.” Tour guide services, restaurants, wildlife parks, and heritage attractions such as forts and castles were among the most praised aspects of the visitor experience.
