Tourism is considered the backbone of economies around the world which brings in essential currency and investment, creates jobs and stimulates several sectors of the economy.
Over the past few years, Ghana’s tourism industry has positively impacted the economy through initiatives such as the “Year of Return” 2019 and Beyond the Return.
Since 2019, the Ghana Tourism Authority in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders have worked hard to generate, and consolidate detailed tourism data and publish it for the industry and public consumption.
According to the industry’s report for 2022, international arrivals moved from 623,523 in 2021 to 914,892 in 2022 representing 46.73% year-on-year growth while Ghana’s arrivals recovery stood at 81% from the pre-pandemic levels with average tourism expenditure also growing significantly from $1289 in 2021 to $2743 in 2022.
Speaking on JoyFM, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwesi Agyemang said the numbers are looking good and the industry is targeting 1.2 million for numbers in 2024.
Despite the increase in number in 2022 as compared to 2021, Mr. Akwesi Agyemang did indicate that the tourism industry is still working with statistical service and immigration to validate some of them.
“In 2022, we ended the year around 917 and so that is the benchmark. We want to push ourselves to bring the pandemic levels to 1.2. And so, on the surface of what we saw, events that have come in already, Last week, we launched the first-ever rampage Africa carnival that is going to happen in December 2024,” he continued.
He, however, mentioned a decline in corporate sponsorships due to economic factors and emphasized the need to collaborate with event organizers and individuals involved in the industry.
Additionally, Mr. Agyemang highlighted the importance of learning from the practices of tour operators and ensuring the safety and seamless arrival of large diaspora groups.
He also underscored the need for shared responsibility between various organizations, including the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), diaspora affairs, and other relevant agencies, all aimed at attracting and engaging the diaspora community.
Mr. Akwesi Agyemang added that the tourism industry is embarking on several activities, sensitizing campaigns, and programs including Destination Ghana Projects among others to boost tourism and its benefits in Ghana.
According to Mr. Agyemang, the tourism industry is also undergoing product and site development across the country to cushion and promote tourism.
This includes the ongoing improvements at Kwame Nkrumah, Geese, and Asomdwee Parks, alongside the development of the first-ever Kente Museum in Bonwire.
He further emphasized ongoing enhancements to these sites, anticipating significant additions by the end of 2024.
Meanwhile, Mr. Agyemang highlighted the passing of a legislative instrument (L.I. 2393) by Parliament, aimed at bringing structure and shared responsibility in governing tourist sites.
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Source: Eric Sekyi/ATLFMNEWS
