Ghana recorded 1,793,797 visits to 55 tourist sites in 2025, marking a 7% increase from 1,681,985 visits in 2024, primarily driven by domestic tourists who made up 84% of total visits. International arrivals rose modestly by 1.4% to 1,306,962 in 2025, according to the Ghana Tourism Authority’s 2025 report.
International visitors stayed an average of about 13 nights, with business travel accounting for 31% of arrivals. However, average expenditure per international tourist dropped to US$3,319.90 in 2025 from US$3,742.98 in 2024, indicating a decline in per visitor spending despite growth in arrival numbers.
Tourist Site Visits Concentrated in Top Attractions
The top 10 tourist destinations attracted 1,377,588
visits in 2025, representing 77% of all visits to the 55 sites. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park was the most visited attraction with 302,523 visits. Other popular sites included Kakum National Park, Bunso Arboretum, Cape Coast Castle, Manhyia Palace Museum, Kumasi Zoo, Accra Zoo, Elmina Castle, Shai Hills Resource Reserve, and Aburi Botanical Garden.
This concentration of visits highlights opportunities to develop less-visited areas through improved infrastructure and promotional activities.
Increase in Licensed Tourism Enterprises and Business Segments
The number of licensed tourism enterprises expanded from 6,702 in 2024 to 7,109 in 2025, reflecting growth in formal tourism businesses that cover accommodation, food and beverage, entertainment, conferences, and travel
services. The travel-trade segment saw an 18.6% increase, while entertainment and conference businesses grew by 14.3%.
Special Events and Cruise Tourism Contributions
Significant tourism events such as the Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival, PANAFEST, Emancipation celebrations, and December in GH supported tourism activities, boosting demand in accommodation, transportation, and hospitality sectors. The Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival particularly stimulated tourism in the Eastern Region.
Cruise tourism involved 18 ship calls and 5,488 passengers at the Takoradi and Tema ports in 2025. While a smaller segment, cruise tourism presents opportunities to link passengers with heritage sites, cultural attractions, and craft markets along the coast.
Visitor Satisfaction Ratings and Service Quality
International visitors gave Ghana a
99% positive rating for local friendliness. Airport facilities and formalities each received a 98% positive rating, indicating high satisfaction with service standards that support repeat visits and Ghana’s tourism image.
The report emphasizes maintaining service quality alongside the expansion of visitor numbers to enhance tourism experience.
Challenges and Sustainability Focus in Tourism Development
Despite increased visitor numbers, declining average expenditure per visitor raises concerns about revenue growth and indicates the need to attract higher-spending tourists and develop premium experiences. Tourism activity remains concentrated in a few regions including Greater Accra, Central, Ashanti, and Eastern, pointing to underdeveloped potential in other areas.
The sector’s sustainability focus includes promoting
eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and preserving cultural and natural heritage. Expanding domestic tourism is seen as a means to distribute revenue more widely, benefiting communities beyond established centers.
