The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has released findings from its Domestic Visitors’ Survey, revealing that domestic tourism remains a major pillar of the national economy.
The survey confirms that domestic travel by Ghanaians generated substantial economic activity in 2023, with over 15 million trips recorded and total tourism spending estimated at GH¢6.6 billion.
Domestic travel is a vital driver of economic activity, with spending directly supporting local transport services, food vendors, accommodation providers, and community-based businesses.
The Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, emphasised the importance of the findings, noting that the data is a powerful reminder that tourism is not only about international arrivals, but also about “Ghanaians discovering Ghana, investing in local experiences, and breathing economic life into the communities and sites they visit.”
The survey shows that domestic overnight travel accounted for the bulk of tourism spending at GH¢4.8 billion (73%), compared to GH¢1.8 billion (27%) from same-day visitors, with most expenditure occurring during trips.
Domestic tourism is mainly driven by adults aged 25–44, who made the largest share of both same-day and overnight trips.
Travel is largely motivated by social and cultural reasons, particularly visiting friends and relatives and attending funerals, and is predominantly self-organised, with road transport as the main mode.
The survey’s nationally representative data will support tourism planning, investment decisions, and the development of Ghana’s Tourism Satellite Account.
The full report and supporting materials are available on the Ghana Statistical Service website.
Source: myxyzonline.com
