Outbound in a single day guests spent as much as GH₵3.4bn in 2023 – GSS survey unearths – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In 2023, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) released a groundbreaking survey titled “Domestic and Outbound Tourism Survey,” revealing staggering insights into the outbound travel patterns of Ghanaians. According to the report, Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians who traveled outside the country spent a total of **GH₵3.4bn** in just one year. This figure underscores the growing significance of outbound tourism as a key contributor to Ghana’s economy. The survey, covering all 16 regions, highlights trends, preferences, and challenges shaping the outbound tourism landscape. From the modes of transportation to the regions of origin and destinations, the data paints a vivid picture of Ghana’s travel dynamics. This article delves into the findings of the GSS survey, offering a detailed analysis of the economic, social, and logistical implications of outbound travel.

Analysis

Economic Impact of Outbound Tourism

The GSS survey underscores that outbound same-day travelers contributed significantly to Ghana’s economy in 2023. With **GH₵3.4bn** spent by travelers outside the country, this expenditure reflects the growing demand for international travel and the economic potential of Ghana’s tourism sector.

One of the key findings is the sheer volume of outbound day trips: **393,305** Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians traveled abroad in 2023. This number highlights the increasing accessibility of international travel and the role of Ghana as a gateway for regional and global mobility.

The survey also revealed that **women outnumbered men** in outbound day trips, with **200,320 visits** recorded. This gender disparity suggests that women may be more inclined to travel for personal or familial reasons, such as visiting friends and relatives, which was the most common reason for outbound travel. Visiting friends and relatives accounted for **40.6%** of all outbound day trips, followed by tourism-related activities, business/informal travel, and funerals.

In terms of regional distribution, the **Greater Accra Region** emerged as the leading source of outbound travelers, with **30,000 to 50,000 trips** recorded across all four quarters. The Ashanti Region followed closely, driven by its strong economic base and diaspora connections. These regions’ prominence underscores their role as hubs for both domestic and outbound tourism.

Transportation modes further shaped the survey’s findings. **Land travel** dominated, with **63.5% to 74.8%** of outbound trips conducted by road. While air travel accounted for a smaller share, it remained a consistent option, particularly for longer-distance journeys to West Africa and other regions. Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, the Government Statistician, emphasized that the reliance on land connectivity highlights the need for improved infrastructure to support broader travel opportunities.

Destination-wise, **West Africa** was the most popular region for outbound day trips, with **73,069 journeys** recorded in the first quarter alone. This trend reflects the interconnectedness of ECOWAS member states and the ease of movement within the sub-region. However, smaller numbers of travelers ventured into **Europe, North America, and Asia**, primarily for business, education, or family visits.

The survey also highlighted that **self-arranged tours** accounted for over **90%** of outbound day trips, suggesting a preference for flexibility and cost-efficiency over organized packages. This data point has implications for tourism operators, who may need to adapt their strategies to meet the demand for personalized travel experiences.

Summary

The GSS’s 2023 survey on domestic and outbound tourism provides a comprehensive overview of the outbound travel trends in Ghana. Key findings include:

• A significant economic impact: **GH₵3.4bn spent** by outbound travelers in a single year.
• High volume of day trips: **393,305** travelers recorded in 2023.
• Women outnumbered men in outbound travel, with **40.6%** of trips made for visiting friends and relatives.
• Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions as primary sources of outbound travelers.
• Land travel (63.5%–74.8%) dominated transportation, with air travel as a secondary option.
• West Africa remained the top destination, while smaller groups traveled to Europe, North America, and Asia.
• Self-arranged tours (over 90%) were the most common travel method.

These insights not only highlight the economic potential of outbound tourism but also identify areas for growth and improvement. From regional mobility to transportation infrastructure, the survey underscores the need for targeted policies to enhance Ghana’s tourism competitiveness.

Key Points

Economic Contribution of Outbound Travel

Outbound same-day travelers spent **GH₵3.4bn** in 2023, a testament to the economic value of international travel for Ghana. This figure includes both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians, emphasizing the diversity of the outbound tourism market.

Gender-Specific Travel Patterns

Women outnumbered men in outbound day trips, with **200,320 visits**. This trend suggests that women may be more active in traveling for personal or familial reasons, such as visiting friends and relatives, which was the most common motivation.

Regional Travel Dynamics

The **Greater Accra Region** was the leading source of outbound travelers, with **30,000 to 50,000 trips** across all quarters. The **Ashanti Region** followed, reflecting its strong economic base and diaspora connections.

Mode of Transportation

**Land travel** dominated outbound trips, with **63.5% to 74.8%** of journeys conducted by road. While air travel remained a viable option, it was less common for shorter trips. Dr. Iddrisu noted that land connectivity is critical for Ghana’s mobility profile.

Destination Trends

West Africa was the primary destination, with **73,069 trips** in Q1 2023. Smaller numbers of travelers ventured to **Europe, North America, and Asia**, primarily for business, education, or family visits.

Travel Preferences

Over **90%** of outbound trips were self-arranged, indicating a preference for flexibility and cost-saving. This trend challenges traditional packaged tour providers and highlights the need for more tailored travel options.

Practical Advice

For travelers and tourism stakeholders, the GSS survey offers actionable insights:

Leverage Regional Connectivity

Given the dominance of land travel, improving **land infrastructure** and road safety can enhance outbound mobility. Partnerships between governments and private operators could reduce costs and improve accessibility.

Tailor Travel Packages

Since self-arranged tours dominate, tourism agencies should focus on **customizable itineraries** and budget-friendly options. This approach caters to the majority of travelers while fostering competition in the sector.

Target Women as Key Travelers

Recognizing that **women make up 51%** of outbound travelers, tourism campaigns should focus on their preferences, such as cultural tours, family visits, and short-term business trips.

Promote Diverse Destinations

While West Africa remains the main destination, promoting **non-West African destinations** could diversify Ghana’s outbound tourism market. Highlighting opportunities in **North America, Europe, and Asia** may attract new visitor segments.

Points of Caution

While the GSS data provides valuable insights, several considerations are worth noting:

• Data Accuracy: As a self-reported survey, the figures may be subject to underreporting or selection bias. Further studies could validate these numbers.
• Infrastructure Limitations: Reliance on road travel may pose risks, particularly for long-distance or unsafe routes. Investing in safer and more efficient transport systems is crucial.
• Policy Gaps: The survey does not address potential legal or regulatory barriers to outbound travel, such as visa requirements or currency exchange issues.

Comparison

Outbound Tourism vs. Domestic Travel

While the survey focuses on outbound travel, comparing it to domestic tourism could reveal complementary trends. For instance, the **domestic tourism** sector may be underdeveloped, presenting an opportunity for growth alongside outbound efforts.

Regional vs. International Travel

The majority of outbound trips were to **West African countries**, reflecting regional integration. However, the smaller share of travelers to **Europe or North America** suggests that Ghana’s international tourism sector is still evolving. Marketing campaigns could target these regions to diversify the travel portfolio.

Legal Implications

While the GSS survey does not explicitly address legal issues, there are several considerations:

Visa Regulations

Travelers to certain countries may face restrictions, such as visa requirements or travel bans. Ghana’s government could collaborate with ECOWAS and international bodies to streamline visa processes, making outbound travel more accessible.

Currency and Payment Systems

Cross-border transactions may involve **currency exchange challenges**, affecting travelers’ budgets. Strengthening Ghana’s financial infrastructure to support seamless international payments could enhance outbound tourism.

Conclusion

The GSS’s 2023 survey on outbound tourism reveals Ghana’s growing role in regional and global travel. With **GH₵3.4bn spent** in 2023, the economic impact of outbound travel is significant, driven by factors such as gender, region, and transportation preferences. While the data highlights opportunities, it also underscores the need for infrastructure improvements, policy reforms, and targeted marketing strategies. By addressing these challenges, Ghana can solidify its position as a key player in the outbound tourism sector.

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