Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians who travelled outside of Ghana spent an estimated GH₵3.4 billion in 2023.

That is according to a new data released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS): titled “Domestic and Outbound Tourism Survey”.

The report noted that, 393,305 overnight trips across the shores of the country was recorded. Out of this number, females slightly outnumbered their male counterparts, recording 200,320 visits.

Visits to friends and relatives was the topmost reason for overnight visits in 2023, recording the largest share in each quarter at 40.6%. This was followed by sporting activities, business and professional travels, and funerals in that order.

"Number of outbound overnight visitors that originated from the Greater Accra Region was the highest from quarter 1 to quarter 4, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 trips," the report noted.

According to the GSS, the survey, which covered all 16 regions, revealed that self-arranged tours dominated outbound overnight travels by over 90%.

Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, opined that "this indicates that self-arranged travels are preferred to packaged or agency travels. It is also the same in same-day outbound visits.”

At the regional level, the Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of outbound overnight visitors across all quarters. With about 30,000 to 50,000 trips. The Ashanti region followed closely driven by its strong economic base and diaspora ties.

Most of the overnight trips were made by roads ranging between 63.5% in Q1 74.8% in Q4

“Although air travel accounted for a smaller version the data showed that it remained a consistent share mainly for longer journeys beyond West Africa.” Dr. Iddrisu added shedding light on the mode of transport.

“This again highlights how land connectivity is crucial to Ghana’s tourism and mobility profile.” He added.

In terms of destinations, West Africa accounted for the largest share of outbound overnight travels across all quarters peaking in the first quarter at 73,069 trips.

Again, “regional mobility within the ECOWAS sub region remains the dominant pattern although smaller shares of travelers ventured into Europe, North America, and Asia for business, education and family visits,” the report revealed.

Also, non-commercial accommodation dominated the mode of accommodation ranging from 71.5% in Q1 to 84.1.5 compared to commercial forms of accommodation.