Ghana welcomed 1,306,962 international tourists in 2025. This figure represents a 1.4% increase from the 1,288,804 arrivals recorded in 2024. The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) reported these numbers in its latest Tourism Report, highlighting sustained growth in the sector.
Domestic tourism also showed significant strength, recording over 1.79 million visits across 55 tourist sites nationwide. This strong local engagement underscores the role of internal travel in supporting businesses and preserving cultural heritage. The growth demonstrates the sector’s resilience and its increasing contribution to Ghana’s economy.
This performance fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of diversification and non-oil sector growth. The tourism industry notably contributed to job creation and foreign exchange earnings. The report highlighted the sector's ability to adapt to global and domestic challenges. Increased tourism activity supports local economies, especially in regions with significant cultural and natural attractions.
The GTA stated that the figures reflect the sector’s ability “to adapt to evolving global and domestic dynamics while maintaining its contribution to economic growth and national development.” This statement emphasizes the strategic importance of tourism for Ghana’s long-term prosperity. The report's theme, “Resilience and Sustainable Growth,” further reinforces this commitment.
Looking ahead, the continued focus on sustainable and high-value tourism will be critical. This includes ecotourism, community-based tourism, and the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment. Decision-makers will observe how these strategic shifts impact future arrival numbers and overall economic benefits. Further investments in infrastructure and promotions will aim to sustain this positive trend.
The number of licensed tourism enterprises expanded from 6,702 in 2024 to 7,109 in 2025. This increase suggests growing investment and participation across the tourism value chain. Travel trade activities saw an 18.6% increase, while the entertainment and conference segment grew by 14.3%. These figures indicate rising demand for tourism-related services and events.
Business-related travel remained the primary reason for international visits, accounting for 31% of all arrivals. This highlights Ghana's position as a regional hub for commerce and conventions. Cruise tourism also saw growth in 2025, with 18 cruise ship calls at Tema and Takoradi ports. These visits brought 5,488 passengers, contributing to tourism receipts and visibility.
The GTA is making efforts to integrate culture and creative arts into tourism experiences. This strategy aims to diversify tourism products and enhance Ghana’s global competitiveness. The report provides essential data for evidence-based policy formulation and investment decisions. This data helps in strategic planning across the entire tourism industry.