African Travel & Tourism News 15 09 25

Headlines for Travel  and Tourism News

President Mahama Criticizes Poor Customer Service at Ghana’s Tourist Destinations

Ghana has increased efforts to assist West African nationals deported from the United States under the Trump administration.

Global Tourism Rebounds in 2025: Africa Leads with 12% Growth

The Eastern Region, Ghana’s third most populous, hosts around 700 tourist and hospitality facilities, including hotels, guest houses, and restaurants. While many operate within Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) regulations, ensuring clean and safe environments for visitors, some facilities violate these rules.

In a recent inspection from Monday to Friday, September 12, 2025, GTA officials visited 45 facilities to enforce compliance with the Tourism Act 817 (2011). Several establishments were found operating without licenses, with expired registrations, or in unhygienic conditions, including overgrown compounds, unpleasant room odors, and poorly maintained environments.

Facilities closed down during the exercise included Odefo Grills, Ampser Guest House, Samaki Guest House, Sky Queency Guest House, Momentum Bar and Grill, NP Plaza Hotel, Wadiva Waterfront Inn, Lake Club House, Queens Village Hotel, Vicbbed Guest House, and many others across towns such as Koforidua, Asesewa, Akosombo, Suhum, and Akyem Tafo. The exercise aimed to ensure absolute compliance with GTA regulations and promote safe, hygienic standards for tourists.

Ghana has increased efforts to assist West African nationals deported from the United States under the Trump Administration. At a Presidential Media Encounter on September 11, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama confirmed that Ghana received 14 deportees, including 13 Nigerians and one Gambian.

The United States requested Ghana serve as a transit point for deported West Africans. Ghana agreed, citing the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, which allows citizens of member states to enter and stay in fellow countries visa-free for up to 90 days. Authorities arranged ground transport for the Nigerian deportees, while the Gambian national was assisted through his embassy for a return flight.

President Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s response reflects both compliance with international protocols and regional solidarity, ensuring deported individuals are treated with dignity and returned safely to their home countries. It was not disclosed whether the US provided any financial incentives for this arrangement.

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep concern over the state of customer service in the country’s tourism industry, describing it as “poor” at most of the nation’s tourist destinations. Speaking to the media on September 10, 2025, he noted that a major challenge facing Ghana’s tourism sector is the lack of professionalism and quality service at many sites, which undermines the visitor experience.

Drawing comparisons with other countries, President Mahama explained that in Ghana, staff at restaurants and other tourist facilities often behave as if they are doing visitors a favour rather than providing a service, whereas in other parts of the world, service standards are higher and more customer-focused. He called on individuals and tourism operators to take responsibility for improving service delivery, stressing that enhancing professionalism and customer care is vital for promoting tourism and attracting more visitors to Ghana and the West African region.

International tourism has experienced a robust rebound in 2025. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), global tourist arrivals increased by 5% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 4%. 

This growth is attributed to several factors, including improved flight connectivity and relaxed visa regulations. Africa led the growth with a 12% rise in international tourist arrivals, driven by destinations like Morocco and South Africa's Kruger National Park. 

The Asia-Pacific region also showed strong performance, with North-East Asia experiencing a remarkable 20% increase in arrivals, particularly from Japan, Vietnam, and the Republic of Korea. 

However, some regions, including parts of Europe and the Americas, faced challenges such as high transportation and accommodation costs, which impacted travel decisions. Despite these challenges, the overall outlook for global tourism remains optimistic, with continued growth expected in the latter half of 2025. Hospitality Net +2 Travel and Tour World +2
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Source : African Travel & Tour News - TT News