For decades, traditional accommodation options such as hotels, hostels and guesthouses have been the cornerstone of Ghana’s travel and tourism industry. However, in recent years, the rise of short‑term rental platforms, notably Airbnb, has significantly infiltrated the global hospitality market, combining convenience, affordability, technological advancement and community engagement in ways that are reshaping how tourists travel and stay.
The 2024 Ghana Tourism Report reveals a significant shift in accommodation preferences. While hotel stays have declined slightly over recent years, “Airbnb usage has surged significantly, growing from 11.5% in 2021 to an impressive 27% in 2023,” pointing to the platform’s expanding footprint in the market. During the “December in GH” festive peak, 16% of visitors stayed in Airbnb properties, highlighting how the platform has become a substantive part of Ghana’s tourism accommodation ecosystem.
With international arrivals on the rise, Ghana welcomed 1.1 million tourists in 2023, up 25% from the previous year. Authorities project continued growth for the 2025 festive season, forecasting roughly a 35% increase in total visitor numbers compared with last year. Such growth is expected to fuel demand for flexible alternatives to traditional hotels, particularly as many travellers seek affordability and localized experiences that Airbnb uniquely provides.
In Ghana, stakeholders are actively debating how best to regulate these rentals. The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched a new registration regime for short‑term rentals to align operations with national tourism standards. According to GTA, the regime will bring hosts within a structured framework designed to enhance safety, quality and economic benefit. The Authority states, “By regularizing short‑term rentals, we are not only ensuring the safety and quality of accommodations but also fostering economic benefits and cultural exchange.”
Nevertheless, host opinions are divided. The tourism report itself notes that 42.86% of Airbnb hosts support regulation, while a slight majority, 57.14%, oppose it, reflecting concerns that compliance requirements could increase costs or reduce flexibility. This tension mirrors the broader industry debate in Ghana. As the Ghana Hotels Association has said, “We are not against the operations of Airbnb. What we are against is the unfair competition that continues to be created as a result of their non‑regulation,” arguing that unregulated rentals give some hosts an advantage over hotels already subject to strict taxes and inspections.
Beyond Ghana’s borders, voices from global tourism discussions further highlight Airbnb’s impact. In major destinations such as France, Airbnb has grown to more than one million listings, illustrating the platform’s reach and influence in shaping accommodation choices around the world. Yet this success has also prompted regulatory tensions as cities balance tourism growth with housing availability and community concerns.
Traveller commentary posted online echoes both enthusiasm and caution about Airbnb. Some guests note that popular Airbnb listings tend to book out early during peak seasons, indicating strong demand, while others caution about property accuracy and variability in quality when reviews are limited. These user observations highlight the importance of reliable, well‑reviewed listings as travellers plan their stays.
The combination of rising arrivals and changing preferences suggests Airbnb’s potential is substantial. For hosts gearing up for this year’s surge, the evolving landscape spotlights several practical expectations. In a competitive marketplace, properties that build strong review histories, communicate clearly with guests and provide accurate representations tend to secure more bookings. Engaging with GTA’s registration system early may also position hosts favorably as the sector becomes more formalised.
