Ghana’s tourism sector is preparing for a busy December 2025, with international arrivals expected to rise compared with last year. Estimates suggest that between 130,595 and 133,131 visitors could come to the country during the month, representing a 3% to 5% increase over the 126,791 arrivals recorded in December 2024.
Based on the average tourist expenditure recorded in 2024, this increase could translate into total tourism receipts of between $488.7 million and $498.4 million for the month, reflecting the sector’s steady growth and the continued appeal of Ghana as a cultural and heritage destination. Visitors from the USA, Nigeria, and the UK are expected to lead the numbers, contributing significantly to the anticipated rise in tourism revenue.
A key factor behind this optimism is the “December in Gh” (DiGH) festive initiative, which has become a flagship period for tourism activity and attracts a significant number of high-spending visitors, particularly among the Ghanaian diaspora and young adult travellers.
Survey data collected from inbound tourists at Kotoka International Airport Terminal 3 and partner tourism enterprises during the 2024 DiGH period show that participants spent an average of $2,676.20 per day across accommodation, dining, transport, entertainment, and retail.
With an average stay of 22 nights, each high-value visitor associated with this segment is estimated to spend approximately $3,742.98 over the course of their trip, illustrating the commercial potential of targeted tourism initiatives. While not all visitors are expected to spend at this level, these figures highlight the significant contribution of high-spending travellers to the country’s tourism receipts.
The December peak period offers substantial opportunities for businesses across hospitality, transport, retail, and entertainment sectors, allowing them to capture increased revenue, expand their client base, and build lasting relationships with international visitors.
“The outlook for the coming years is marked by cautious optimism, grounded in indicators of sector-wide stability,” said Spencer Doku, Director of Research, Monitoring & Evaluation, at the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Ablah Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, emphasized that Ghana “continues to affirm its position as a leading destination for heritage tourism, cultural exchange, and investment in Africa.” High satisfaction ratings across safety, hospitality, attractions, and services suggest that Ghana’s tourism ecosystem is well-positioned to handle the increased demand while providing a high-quality travel experience.
The December 2025 projections, while conservative compared with high-spending estimates, reinforce the strategic importance of festive-season tourism and the value of sustaining initiatives that attract visitors with greater expenditure potential.
With coordinated efforts from both government and private sector stakeholders, the country is poised to leverage the peak travel period into meaningful economic gains for businesses and the broader economy.
