Rising tourist numbers at ‘December in GH’ event contrasted by declining hotel occupancy
Despite a steady increase in tourist numbers for the Ghana Tourism Authority’s (GTA) annual flagship event, ‘December in GH’, hotel occupancy rates have declined in recent years.
The 2023 Ghana Tourism Report highlights that international tourist arrivals for the year reached 1.1 million, marking a 25 percent increase from the previous year.
The report also notes that average expenditure on accommodation was the highest spending category at 34.61%, slightly up from last year’s 33.34%.
However, there was a noticeable decline of about 3-5% in participants staying in hotels. In contrast, those opting for Airbnb accommodations saw a significant increase, rising from 11.5% in 2021 to 27% in 2023.
Ghana’s 2019 Year of Return programme, commemorating 400 years since the abolition of the Slave Trade, was a pivotal event that included the December in GH (DiGH) initiative.
This event, organized by the Ghana Tourism Authority, has evolved into a major cultural and tourism highlight on the nation’s calendar.
DiGH draws global tourists eager to experience Ghana’s rich heritage, arts, and entertainment scene. It has become a focal point in showcasing the country’s vibrant cultural tapestry, attracting a diverse international audience each year.
