Ghana records over 1.3 million tourist arrivals in 2025 as sector generates $4.34 billion

Ghana welcomed 1,306,962 international visitors in 2025, marking a 1.4 per cent increase from the 1,288,804 arrivals recorded in 2024, according to the 2025 Tourism Report released by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).

The sector generated an estimated $4.34 billion in tourism receipts during the year, reaffirming its importance as a major contributor to foreign exchange earnings and national economic growth.

The GTA described the performance as evidence of the tourism industry's resilience and steady recovery, as Ghana continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination following the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the growth in visitor arrivals, tourism receipts declined from $4.82 billion in 2024 to $4.34 billion in 2025. The report attributed the drop to lower average visitor spending, which fell from $3,742.98 in 2024 to $3,319.90 in 2025.

Business Travel Dominates Visitor Arrivals

Business travel remained the primary reason for visiting Ghana, accounting for 31 per cent of all international arrivals. Visits to family and friends represented 23 per cent, while holiday and leisure travel contributed 20 per cent.

The United States retained its position as Ghana's largest source market, with 155,289 visitors arriving during the year. Nigeria followed with 136,552 arrivals, while the United Kingdom contributed 56,588 visitors.

The report also highlighted strong visitor loyalty, revealing that more than 60 per cent of international tourists had visited Ghana before. First-time visitors made up 38 per cent of total arrivals.

High Visitor Satisfaction Ratings

International tourists spent an average of 13 nights in Ghana during their visits.

Hotels remained the most popular accommodation option, hosting half of all visitors. Private homes accounted for 28 per cent of accommodation choices, while Airbnb facilities represented 12 per cent.

Ghana continued to receive impressive ratings for visitor experience. Hospitality emerged as a major strength, with Ghanaian friendliness earning a 99 per cent satisfaction score. Airport services and formalities also received high marks, each recording 98 per cent satisfaction ratings.

Domestic Tourism Continues to Grow

Domestic tourism also recorded significant growth during the year.

Visits to 55 tourist attractions across the country rose by seven per cent, increasing from 1.68 million in 2024 to 1.79 million in 2025.

Local travellers accounted for 84 per cent of total domestic tourism activity, highlighting the growing importance of internal travel to the industry's expansion.

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park remained Ghana's most visited tourist attraction, recording 302,523 visitors. It was followed by Kakum National Park with 203,222 visits and Bunso Arboretum which attracted 149,319 visitors.

Tourism Industry Expands Formal Sector

The report also pointed to growth in the formal tourism economy, with the number of licensed tourism enterprises increasing from 6,702 in 2024 to 7,109 in 2025.

Travel trade businesses recorded the fastest growth at 18.6 per cent, while the food, beverage and entertainment sector expanded by 8.2 per cent.

According to the GTA, the sector remains on a stable growth trajectory and should increasingly focus on attracting higher-spending visitors, diversifying tourism opportunities across all regions and enhancing Ghana's competitiveness as one of Africa's leading tourism destinations.