The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) has rolled out two digital platforms designed to revolutionize tourism marketing, investment, and service delivery, positioning Ghana as a competitive destination in the global travel industry.
The platforms, which are Ghana Tourism Marketplace (GTM) and Ghana Tourism Investments Platform (GTiP), were unveiled during a stakeholder engagement session with tourism agencies and trade associations in Accra.
The GTDC says the initiative is a bold step toward modernizing Ghana’s tourism economy, attracting new investments, and creating a seamless experience for both tourists and operators.
Professor Kobby Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of GTDC, explained that the GTiP would serve as a business-to-business (B2B) platform, profiling viable tourism projects across the country for local and foreign investors.
“Tourism infrastructure is key to growth. When fully operational, the investment platform will connect investors with tourism opportunities across Ghana,” he said.
On the consumer side, the GTM is expected to serve as a one-stop digital marketplace where tourists can book hotels, rent cars, purchase event tickets, explore attractions, shop, and provide feedback.
“We believe technological innovation can bring all sector players onto a single platform, allowing easy access to services, seamless payments, and improved customer interaction,” Prof. Mensah added.
He further disclosed that the GTM could generate significant revenue, citing that if just 25% of international arrivals recorded by the Ghana Tourism Authority used the platform, it could yield up to $4 million annually.
Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamekeh, President of the Ghana Hotels Association, said the platforms address three critical gaps in the industry: investment, marketing, and recognition. “These pillars are very important for the industry, and we only hope that the platforms will stand the test of time,” he added.
Dr. Ackah-Nyamekeh also emphasized the importance of involving trade associations in the process, noting that although tourism has been largely public sector–led, it is ultimately private sector-driven.
“What the Ghana Tourism Marketplace means is that anyone, whether in Ghana, Azerbaijan, China, or the USA, can easily see our tourism enterprises, businesses, and attractions, and make a decision,” he said.
Echoing this optimism, Mr. Charles Adu-Gyemfi, President of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), said the platforms are a bold reset for the industry.
“The GTM will link products and services across the tourism value chain. We must embrace this agenda as a shared opportunity to build a sustainable, resilient, and competitive tourism industry that enhances Ghana’s appeal,” he urged.
Beyond marketing and investment, the GTDC says the platforms could also provide the government with real-time data on tourism activity, including sector contributions and infrastructure needs such as untarred roads leading to major attractions.
