Domestic tourists survey data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed that over 15 million domestic tourism trips were recorded in 2023, generating an estimated GH¢6.6 billion in total tourism spending for that year.
The results highlight the scale and economic importance of internal travel, with the spending directly benefiting local businesses, including transport, food services, accommodation, and community-based enterprises.
Speaking at the release of the finding, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu emphasised the significance of local travel beyond international arrivals.
He noted, “this momentum has brought a powerful reminder that tourism is not only about international arrivals. It is also about Ghanaians discovering Ghana, investing in local experiences, and breathing economic life into the communities and sites they visit.”
The survey showed that domestic overnight travel accounted for the majority of the expenditure, contributing approximately GH¢4.8 billion, which is 73% of the total domestic tourism spending.
On the other hand, same-day domestic tourists spent about GH¢1.8 billion, or 27% of revenue.
The survey showed that in both categories, the bulk of the expenditure occurred during the trip itself.
Dr. Iddrisu added that the data provides essential insights for planning, stating that the findings “give us the clarity to identify the regions that attract the most movement, the types of activities that drive domestic trips, the socio-economic profile of travellers, and the value of the spending that circulates within our borders.”
The survey also indicated that Ghana’s domestic tourism is largely driven by working-age adults.
Persons aged 25 to 44 years were responsible for 41.1% of same-day trips and 35.2% of overnight travel, thus reflecting the mobility of the economically active population.
The primary motivation for these trips is primarily social, with more than 80% of domestic overnight trips and about 70% relatives or attend funerals.
In terms of organization, the survey found that over % of domestic trips were self-arranged, with the majority of travel conducted by road using buses and minivans.
