Domestic tourism sees a 47% increase
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), claims that domestic tourism has increased by 47% over the previous two to three years.
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However, he stated that the Authority was optimistic that by the end of the year, the number will rise thanks to efforts, initiative, dedication, and partnerships as well as the partnership model they were starting to develop and more individuals entering the nation.
"This December, we're attempting to have more activities outside of Accra to encourage visitors to tour the entire nation. They would stay in hotels, eat local cuisine, purchase clothing, and engage in all other forms of travel while in Ghana, which is what is actually having an impact on the sector.
Mr. Agyeman said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency that in 2018, there were about 600,000 people traveling within Ghana, and in 2017, there were 937,000 people traveling within Ghana, representing an increase of about 47%.
He added that "domestic tourism is growing but the issue is that because we typically announce the international arrivals first, people think that that is the focus."
However, COVID-19 showed us that we need people to travel when the borders are closed and the airlines are unable to fly in. For this reason, we have implemented initiatives like "Experience Ghana Share Ghana, See, Eat, Wear and Feel Ghana.
Regarding the December activities, Mr. Agyeman stated that the Authority was now focusing on the Northern location as the location to which the majority of the events will be extended.
"This is because Takoradi and Ashanti are coming up, along with other respectable cultural events and festivals. To enhance some of the events and festivals held there, we have worked with them. so that more people may attend it and additional nearby events can be added.
"The numbers for December are increasing, and we are hopeful that the two million target number of visitors will be met. We are already falling short of our goal with only roughly 500,000 individuals arriving for the first half of the year.
"But we know that when it comes to the last quarter, which is usually the travel time for lots of people who come to Ghana, we would achieve that," he continued.
