African Travel & Hospitality News 04 09 25

The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) has unveiled the Ghana Tourism Market Place (GTMP), a web-based platform designed to connect tourists with licensed service providers across the country. The digital space is set to become the go-to hub for booking accommodations, organizing tours, visiting museums, renting cars, dining at local restaurants, and purchasing artwork.

By offering a comprehensive range of services, the GTMP allows tourists, both local and international, to access authentic Ghanaian experiences at their fingertips. Service providers such as hotels and tour operators can directly market their services and enjoy instant pay-outs, making the process efficient and user-friendly.

According to Professor Kobby Mensah, CEO of GTDC, the GTMP aims to put Ghana’s tourism resources on the global map while driving economic growth in local communities. Stakeholders, including the Ghana Hotels Association and the Ghana Tourism Federation, have welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to give businesses more visibility and attract more tourists.

The GTMP is expected to go live in the coming weeks after consultations with stakeholders are completed.

The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) has also launched the Ghana Tourism Investment Platform (GTiP), a digital tool designed to attract local and international investors into Ghana’s tourism sector. The platform enables metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) to profile tourist sites with details such as infrastructure, location, and amenities, giving potential investors the data needed to make informed decisions.

GTiP is expected to open new opportunities for developing tourist attractions, improving infrastructure, and expanding existing facilities. By making investment opportunities transparent and accessible, the platform positions Ghana as a viable destination for tourism-related development.

During its launch, stakeholders such as Charles Adu-Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Tourism Federation, emphasized the platform’s strategic role in boosting Ghana’s tourism industry and attracting much-needed investments. The Ghana Hotels Association also lauded the initiative for creating new growth opportunities for hospitality businesses.

The platform will go live in the coming weeks, with GTDC assuring that stakeholder feedback will be incorporated before its official rollout.

Bolt has become the most downloaded travel app in Ghana, ranking ahead of Uber, Yango, and inDrive, according to data from Sensor Tower.

Operating in Accra and Kumasi since 2017, the company offers ride-hailing and food delivery services. Ghana is one of 23 countries where Bolt holds the top spot. With over 200 million users globally across 50 countries,

Bolt plans further expansion in Ghana by entering new cities, introducing additional services, and enhancing its app with features like the new “Family Profile,” which allows one account to manage rides for multiple people.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a fresh travel advisory for Greece, Hungary, and Germany ahead of the autumn season, citing a range of risks that could affect travelers. The advisory warns of heightened wildfire dangers in Greece as the region enters a period of dry, windy weather, urging tourists to remain alert and follow local emergency instructions.

In Hungary and across the Schengen area, new visa and entry procedures are expected, including the rollout of biometric checks starting in October 2025, which could lead to longer processing times at border points. Germany has also been flagged for growing security concerns, with the FCDO encouraging travelers to remain vigilant in busy public areas and to stay updated on official alerts.

The updated guidance emphasizes the importance of emergency preparedness, understanding changing visa rules, and monitoring local conditions. UK citizens planning to travel to any of the three countries during the autumn and winter months are advised to check the latest information regularly, ensure they have proper documentation, and prepare for possible disruptions. According to the FCDO, the new measures are intended to help travelers make informed decisions and stay safe while visiting Europe in the coming season.

Source : African Home Building News- Joycelyn Marigold