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The 2023 Ghana Tourism Report reveals intriguing trends in the accommodation preferences of tourists, showcasing a shift from traditional hotel stays to Airbnb usage.

More people are choosing Airbnb over hotels- Ghana Tourism Report | Pulse Ghana

Stella Takyiwaa Okyere

<p>The report indicates a slight decline of 5% in hotel stays over the past few years, while <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/lifestyle/food-travel/first-time-traveler-heres-how-to-navigate-like-a-pro/9ls9f7y">Airbnb</a> usage has surged significantly, growing from 11.5% in 2021 to an impressive 27% in 2023.</p>

<p>Projections suggest this growth in Airbnb occupancy is set to continue in the coming years.</p>

<h4>Rising international tourist arrivals</h4>

<p>This shift in accommodation preference is happening alongside a notable rise in international tourist arrivals. In 2023, Ghana welcomed 1.1 million international tourists, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. The breakdown of these arrivals is as follows:</p>

<ul><li>United States 🇺🇸: 39%</li><li>Ghanaians living abroad: 33%</li><li>United Kingdom 🇬🇧: 16%</li><li>Nigeria 🇳🇬: 4%</li><li>Germany 🇩🇪: 4%</li><li>South Africa 🇿🇦: 6%</li></ul>

<p>One of the flagship events contributing to this surge in tourism is ‘December in GH.’ This event has seen growing appeal, with the proportion of first-time visitors increasing from 40% in 2022 to 47% last year.</p>

Reymond Awusei Johnson

<h4>The appeal of Airbnb and sector contributions</h4>

<p>The Ghana Tourism Association highlighted that various sectors, including accommodation, entertainment, food and beverages, transport, and shopping, significantly contributed to <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/lifestyle/how-to-pamper-yourself-with-your-salary-without-going-broke/3s3wf2h">tourist </a>spending.</p>

An Airbnb hosted by Jamie Merwin.Courtesy of Jamie Merwin

<p>However, the high prices of hotels in Ghana, which often charge in dollars, are a considerable factor in the growing preference for Airbnbs. With the<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/lifestyle/how-to-pamper-yourself-with-your-salary-without-going-broke/3s3wf2h"> average</a> Ghanaian earning in cedis, the idea of paying in dollars for accommodation within the country is perceived as a rip-off.</p>

<p>Airbnbs, on the other hand, offer a more affordable and homely alternative, making them a preferred choice for both international visitors and locals alike.</p>

<p>As Ghana continues to position itself as a top tourist destination, understanding and adapting to these evolving accommodation preferences will be crucial for sustaining growth in the tourism sector.</p>

Airbnb banned indoor security cameras in March 2024. SOPA Images/Getty Images

More people are choosing Airbnb over hotels- Ghana Tourism Report

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