Headlines for Holiday and Hospitality News
Ghana secures the 10th position in Africa for hotel development, with 3,125 rooms currently under construction
Global Productions, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,officially launches Ghana Must Go
Africa’s Hospitality Sector Booms with Surge in Hotel Construction
Ghana has secured the 10th position in Africa for hotel development, with 3,125 rooms currently under construction. This forms part of the continent’s total of 577 projects comprising 104,444 rooms as of the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 13.3 percent year-on-year increase, according to a new industry report.
The figures position Ghana among the top ten most active hospitality markets in Africa, joining the ranks of Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. This upward trajectory is being propelled by a combination of factors including a growing middle-class demographic, renewed interest from the global diaspora, and a series of strategic government-led tourism campaigns.
Industry analysts attribute part of this growth to initiatives such as “Beyond the Return” and “December in GH,” which have successfully sustained international attention on Ghana as a key cultural and tourism destination. These campaigns, bolstered by enhancements in transport infrastructure—particularly at Kotoka International Airport and along key road corridors—have significantly improved accessibility and tourist mobility.
The Ghana Tourism Authority has also intensified its engagement with global hotel chains to diversify accommodation offerings, particularly in major urban centres such as Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Cape Coast. These developments are expected to broaden the country’s appeal to both business and leisure travellers.
Stakeholders within the hospitality industry view this momentum as a critical opportunity for employment generation, increased foreign direct investment, and the strengthening of tourism-related supply chains. With additional projects anticipated before the close of 2025, Ghana’s hotel development outlook remains strong.
Global Productions, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has officially launched Ghana Must Go, a groundbreaking theatrical project aimed at positioning Ghana as a global hub for world-class theatre and creative excellence.
The initiative forms part of the government’s Black Star Experience and seeks to attract a minimum of 2,000 investors in each of its targeted host cities, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.
At the official launch, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Abla Dzifa Gomashie, made a passionate appeal for both local and international backing. She emphasized the transformative potential of immersive theatre in narrating Ghana’s unique identity while unlocking new avenues for cultural and economic growth. Mrs Gomashie also announced plans to establish a hands-on training school to build capacity within the tourism, culture, and creative arts sectors.
Renowned playwright and CEO of Globe Productions, Mr Latif Abubakar, described Ghana Must Go as more than a performance—calling it a strategic tool for economic mobilisation and cultural diplomacy. He revealed that the project enjoys support from the Ministries of Health and Information and highlighted its integration into the broader Big-Pitch Ghana initiative.
Mr Abubakar also introduced Theatre on the Pulse, a dynamic, community-based performance model crafted to strengthen cultural engagement. He cited the global success of his previous productions, which have garnered over 3.5 million views, as evidence of the power of Ghanaian storytelling.
Backing the initiative, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, pledged the Association’s full support. He called on media outlets nationwide to give Ghana Must Go significant coverage and treat it as a national movement rather than a one-off event.
Africa’s hospitality industry is witnessing a robust surge in hotel construction, with a total of 577 projects comprising 104,444 rooms currently underway as of the first quarter of 2025. This marks a 13.3% i
ncrease compared to the same period in 2024, signalling sustained confidence in the continent’s tourism and business travel markets.
The year-on-year growth reflects strong investor confidence and increased demand for accommodation across the continent. The expansion is particularly notable in North Africa and Western Africa, regions that continue to attract significant international interest.
North Africa remains a frontrunner in the number of hotel developments, with Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia maintaining their status as high-priority destinations. Meanwhile, West Africa continues to grow, driven by investments in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, which are increasingly being recognised for their tourism potential and expanding urban centres.
Experts say the figures reflect broader efforts across African governments and private sectors to enhance infrastructure and improve travel-related services. This wave of construction is also in line with strategic initiatives to boost intra-African tourism and position the continent as a global hospitality hub.
As international hotel brands and local developers race to meet the growing demand, the continent’s hospitality sector is poised for a transformational period.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold – Hospitality & Holiday News
