Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, has disclosed that travelers who made return journeys to the country spent a total of GH₵60 million in 2023.
The figure, he said, was captured in the Ghana Statistical Service’s (GSS) maiden 2023 Ghana Outbound Visitors’ report.
The report found that same-day outbound travelers spent an estimated GH₵59.8 million in 2023.
The report defines same-day travelers as people who traveled and returned to the country on the same day without spending the night.
He noted that business and professional trips, which accounted for 34%, was the most cited purpose.
This was followed by funerals, accounting for 23% of the purpose of travel.
Others were: visits to friends and family, leisure and recreation, as well as shopping in that order.
A total of 77,501 outbound same-day visitors was recorded in 2023. Men dominated with 40,506 travels, while visits by women were recorded at 36,995.
The Ashanti Region recorded the highest number of outbound same-day visitors across all quarters.
Trips from the Ashanti Region were estimated to be within 3,000 to 5,000.
Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu asserted that the regional breakdown “depicts the diverse nature of the Ashanti region.”
Togo recorded the highest expenditure per the number of travelers as well as the country with the highest destinations.
”This signifies the country’s social and economic relations with Togo.”
He added, “short cross boarder travel is not only about trade but maintaining family and social connections.” Emphasising trade and social outcomes in the report.
Additionally, 95% of the total spending occurred during the trip, while the majority of the trips happened in the first quarter of the year in review.
Buses and mini-vans as well as bicycles were the most used means of transport.
”Almost all same day trips were by road. Reflecting how central our land boarders are,” Dr. Iddrisu said.
Also, 94.4% were self-arranged, whereas the rest was done through a travel package via groups or travel and tour agencies.
Dr Iddrisu proposed tax breaks for travel and tour agencies using local services and products.
He further advised players in the hospitality industry, tour and vehicle rental operators, as well as airlines to collaborate and design comprehensive travel packages to enhance local tourism and boost travel pre and post-trip experiences.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
