Accra, Cape Coast and Kumasi Target Tourism Boom as Ghana Aims for 70% Visitor Growth by 2029. Can Culture, Heritage and Creative Industries Drive West Africa’s Next Travel Success Story?

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

See Full Bio

June 24, 2026 2:00 PM

Image generated with Ai

Accra, Cape Coast, Kumasi and destinations across Ghana are preparing for an ambitious tourism expansion as the country targets a 70 per cent increase in international and domestic visitor arrivals by 2029. Backed by new tourism investment initiatives, cultural preservation programmes and support for the creative economy, Ghana is positioning itself as one of Africa’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.

The strategy forms part of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts’ Medium-Term Development Plan for 2026–2029, which seeks to boost tourism revenue by 50 per cent while strengthening Ghana’s position as a leading cultural, heritage and creative hub in West Africa.

For travellers, tourism investors and travel professionals, the initiative signals a new phase of growth built around heritage experiences, music, storytelling, cultural tourism and creative industries.

Ghana Sets Ambitious Tourism Growth Targets

The government’s latest tourism roadmap outlines some of the most ambitious targets in the country’s recent history.

By 2029, Ghana aims to achieve:

• A 70% increase in international tourist arrivals.
• A 70% increase in domestic tourism movements.
• A 50% rise in tourism-generated revenue.
• A 40% increase in revenue from culture and creative arts industries.

The strategy reflects growing confidence in Ghana’s tourism potential as global demand for authentic cultural experiences continues to rise.

Officials view tourism as a major contributor to employment creation, foreign exchange earnings, regional development and private-sector investment.

The sector is increasingly seen as a key pillar of Ghana’s broader economic diversification agenda.

Accra Remains the Gateway to Ghana’s Tourism Future

Accra continues to sit at the centre of Ghana’s tourism ambitions.

The capital has emerged as one of West Africa’s most dynamic urban tourism destinations, attracting leisure travellers, business visitors, conference delegates and members of the African diaspora.

Major investments in hospitality, entertainment and cultural attractions have helped strengthen the city’s appeal.

As visitor numbers increase, Accra is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the government’s tourism growth targets.

The city also serves as the starting point for many travellers exploring Ghana’s historic and cultural landmarks.

Improved tourism infrastructure and stronger international marketing campaigns are expected to further enhance its competitiveness.

Heritage Tourism Continues Driving International Interest

One of Ghana’s greatest tourism strengths remains its heritage appeal.

Destinations such as Cape Coast and Elmina continue attracting visitors interested in learning about the history of the transatlantic slave trade and the broader African diaspora experience.

These sites have become powerful symbols of remembrance, education and cultural connection.

Diaspora tourism remains one of Ghana’s most important tourism segments, particularly among travellers from North America, Europe and the Caribbean.

As awareness grows globally, heritage tourism is expected to remain a major driver of future visitor growth.

The government’s tourism strategy places significant emphasis on strengthening these cultural connections.

Kumasi Strengthens Ghana’s Cultural Tourism Offering

Beyond the coast, Kumasi continues playing a vital role in Ghana’s tourism identity.

Known as the cultural heartland of the Ashanti Kingdom, the city offers visitors access to traditional ceremonies, royal heritage sites, museums and artisan communities.

Cultural tourism has become increasingly important as travellers seek authentic experiences that connect them directly with local traditions.

The expansion of tourism infrastructure and cultural programming could further elevate Kumasi’s position within West Africa’s tourism landscape.

The city remains central to Ghana’s efforts to diversify tourism beyond its coastal attractions.

Highlife Music Gains Global Recognition

One of the most significant recent achievements for Ghana’s cultural sector has been the international recognition of Highlife Music.

The genre has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The recognition elevates Ghana’s cultural profile while creating new opportunities for music tourism and creative economy development.

Music tourism continues growing worldwide as travellers increasingly attend festivals, cultural events and heritage celebrations.

Highlife’s international recognition may encourage greater interest in Ghana’s musical traditions and cultural experiences.

The achievement also reinforces the country’s position as a leading creative destination in Africa.

Tourism Investment Platforms Aim to Attract Capital

The government is also focusing on attracting greater tourism investment.

Two major initiatives have been introduced:

• Ghana Tourism Marketplace.
• Ghana Tourism Investment Platform.

These programmes are designed to connect investors, tourism businesses and development opportunities across the country.

Tourism investment remains essential for improving infrastructure, accommodation capacity and visitor experiences.

By encouraging private-sector participation, authorities hope to accelerate growth while creating new tourism products and services.

Investment attraction forms a key component of the country’s long-term tourism strategy.

Creative Industries Receive Major Funding Support

The culture and creative arts sector is also receiving substantial government support.

A total of GH¢40 million has been allocated to the creative industries, including GH¢20 million dedicated specifically to the Film Development Fund.

Film, television, music and digital content continue emerging as important tourism drivers.

Countries increasingly use creative industries to promote destinations, attract international audiences and strengthen national brands.

Ghana’s investment reflects recognition of the growing relationship between tourism and creative content.

The strategy seeks to leverage culture as both an economic and tourism asset.

National Theatre Modernisation Project Advances

Ghana’s cultural infrastructure is also set for a significant upgrade.

The country has secured a US$30 million grant from China to rehabilitate and modernise the National Theatre of Ghana.

The project is expected to enhance performance facilities, strengthen cultural programming and support the creative economy.

Modern cultural venues often become attractions in their own right, contributing to urban tourism and cultural engagement.

The investment highlights the government’s commitment to expanding cultural infrastructure alongside tourism development.

Skills Development Supports Tourism Growth

Human resource development remains another important priority.

Authorities report that 488 tourism service providers have received professional training.

Additionally, 193 students have graduated through programmes delivered by the Hotel, Catering and Tourism Training Institute (HOTCATT).

Developing skilled tourism professionals is essential to maintaining service quality and competitiveness.

As visitor numbers increase, workforce readiness will play a critical role in ensuring positive travel experiences.

The government continues emphasising training and capacity-building initiatives.

Challenges Remain

Despite positive momentum, officials acknowledge several challenges.

Key concerns include:

• Funding limitations.
• Delayed budget releases.
• Infrastructure gaps.
• Outdated equipment.
• Weak ICT systems.
• Staffing shortages.
• Low enrolment levels at HOTCATT.

Addressing these issues will be essential if Ghana is to achieve its ambitious tourism targets.

Infrastructure and workforce development remain particularly important for sustaining long-term growth.

Key Stats

Chronological Tracker

Recent Period – Highlife Music inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

2026–2029 – Medium-Term Development Plan implementation period.

Current Phase – Tourism Marketplace and Tourism Investment Platform launched.

2026 – Creative industry funding allocations announced.

2029 Target – Achieve 70% growth in tourist arrivals and 50% increase in tourism revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ghana’s tourism growth target?

The country aims to increase both international and domestic tourist arrivals by 70 per cent by 2029.

Why is cultural tourism important to Ghana?

Heritage attractions, diaspora tourism, music and cultural experiences are among Ghana’s strongest tourism assets.

What investment is being made in the creative sector?

The government has allocated GH¢40 million to support creative industries, including GH¢20 million for film development.

Important Dates

2026–2029 – Ghana’s Medium-Term Tourism Development Plan.

2029 – Target year for achieving tourism and revenue growth objectives.

Conclusion

Accra, Cape Coast, Kumasi and destinations across Ghana are entering a period of ambitious tourism expansion driven by culture, heritage, creative industries and investment-led development. With targets that include a 70 per cent increase in visitor arrivals, a 50 per cent rise in tourism revenue and major support for cultural infrastructure, Ghana is positioning itself as one of West Africa’s most dynamic travel destinations. As global travellers increasingly seek authentic cultural experiences and diaspora connections, could Ghana’s combination of heritage, music, creativity and investment make it one of Africa’s standout tourism success stories by the end of the decade?