Ghana’s tourism industry sees 12-fold increase in transit visitor spending
Tourists from Latin America recorded the highest per capita spending, averaging GH¢12,272 (€819) per person, despite being smaller in number.
Ghana.- The Ghana Statistical Service has published a detailed report on the financial performance of the tourism sector, providing insights into its role in driving economic growth. According to the data released by the service, same-day visitors spent GH¢24 million (€1.6m) during the review period, with GH¢7.6 million (€507,000) recorded in the third quarter of 2023 alone.
Tourist spending was primarily concentrated on rest stops, shopping and transport. They also put money into leisure experiences like attractions, casinos and entertainment shows.
Globally, casinos are a proven driver of higher per-capita tourist spending. Ghana’s own data underlines this potential: Tourists from Latin America recorded the highest per capita spending, averaging GH¢12,272 (€819) per person, despite being smaller in number. Visitors from other African countries contributed the largest share of total spending.
According to the report, transit visitors also played a growing role in the economy. Their spending rose more than 12-fold from GH¢443,000 (€30,000) in the fourth quarter of 2022 to GH¢5.7 million (€380,000) in Q3 2023.
The GSS report also sheds light on visitor demographics: most tourists were male, aged 36 to 64, and highly educated with most having a university degree or equivalent. Cultural attractions such as Cape Coast Castle, the Bisa Abrewa Museum and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park remain central to the country’s tourism identity, however, gambling establishments like Golden Dragon Casino in Osu Mall, 86 Casino and Millionaire Casino Accra in Accra are diversifying the portfolio of attractions while complementing heritage and leisure tourism.
Authorities emphasise tourism plays a crucial role in generating foreign exchange, boosting local enterprises and showcasing the nation’s cultural legacy. With international travellers injecting GH¢15.42 billion (€1.03bn) into the economy between 2022 and 2023, the next step could be exploring fresh avenues for expansion.
