Ghana's Tourism Platforms Generate Data to Guide Investment

Ghana just proved that good data can be as valuable as good marketing when building a tourism industry.

The Ghana Tourism Development Company launched two digital platforms in September 2025 that are doing double duty. They're connecting travelers with local experiences while creating the first comprehensive map of what Ghana's tourism sector actually looks like and what it needs to thrive.

The Ghana Tourism Marketplace processed 76 bookings in just 26 days during December, generating over 25,000 Ghanaian cedis in revenue. But Professor Kobby Mensah, who leads the tourism company, says the real gold is in the data these platforms collect.

The numbers tell a clear story. Eco-tourism opportunities make up 33 percent of available experiences, followed by leisure and heritage tourism at 13 percent each. Every listed tourism site has electricity, internet, and road access, but zero locations have treated water, a critical gap now impossible to ignore.

One tour called AccraByNight became an unexpected hit, accounting for 93 percent of platform revenue. Demand grew so strong that the company expanded from one monthly tour in April to 10 separate trips in December, showing visitors crave authentic after-dark cultural experiences.

The investment platform gives potential backers detailed profiles of tourism sites, including land features, heritage value, infrastructure status, and revenue potential. By December, the marketplace hosted 50 vendors and attracted over 240 users, with small and medium businesses leading the adoption.

The Ripple Effect

These platforms are keeping tourism money in Ghana's economy instead of flowing to foreign booking sites. Every transaction processed domestically means more income for local guides, restaurants, transport providers, and cultural centers.

The data-driven approach replaces guesswork with evidence. Investors can now see exactly which regions need better water systems, which experiences travelers actually want, and what price points the market supports. The government can target infrastructure spending where it will have the greatest impact on tourism growth.

By making this information public and updating it regularly, Ghana is building trust with international investors while empowering local entrepreneurs to make smarter business decisions. The platforms charge no registration fees, removing barriers for small operators trying to reach digital customers.

Tourism already contributes significantly to Ghana's economy and job creation across hospitality, transport, and retail. These digital tools are accelerating that growth by matching real demand with authentic local experiences, all while creating a roadmap for sustainable development.

Ghana is showing the world that smart tourism isn't just about beautiful destinations—it's about understanding your strengths, addressing your gaps, and building an industry that works for everyone.