Ghana's tourism sector attracted GHS 58.04 billion in receipts in 2025. The country recorded 1,306,962 international tourist arrivals last year. This figure marks a 1.4 percent rise from the 1,288,804 arrivals in 2024.
Hotels remain the primary choice for roughly half of all international travellers. However, private homes, including Airbnb-style stays, captured a significant 28 percent of the accommodation market. Platforms like Airbnb specifically secured a 12 percent share of these bookings. The average visitor stay extended to 13 nights, indicating a preference for longer-term accommodation options.
This shift reflects a broader trend of visitors seeking more home-like environments. These longer stays suggest that many visitors are not just on short holidays. They are likely house-hunting, working remotely, relocating for jobs, or visiting family for extended periods. This aligns with Accra's growing appeal as a base for the diaspora, NGO staff, embassy personnel, and digital nomads. Ghana is becoming a key entry point in West Africa for these groups.
Ralph Wayo, an operator in the apartment-rental market, noted this change. He stated, “What we’re seeing at Wayo House is that most guests aren’t looking for a hotel room, they’re looking for a home base in Accra. Diaspora families, remote workers, and relocating professionals want the freedom of a full apartment.” This highlights the desire for amenities like a full kitchen and dedicated living spaces. These are features typically unavailable in standard hotel rooms.
The growth in long-stay accommodation options signals a maturing hospitality sector. Operators are adapting to evolving visitor needs. This sector is diversifying beyond traditional hotels. It now offers apartment-style stays with included services like security, Wi-Fi, and on-site management. This indicates a strategic response to visitor behaviour data rather than just building more of the same hotel formats.
The data from the Ghana Tourism Authority's 2025 Tourism Report points to continued, steady growth in the sector. This also highlights a significant transformation in how visitors choose to experience Ghana. Areas like North Legon and East Legon are seeing new developments specifically targeting these long-term renters. For instance, Wayo House offers furnished units at GHS 12,000 per month for year-long stays. Semi-furnished units are available at GHS 10,000 per month, directly addressing the 13-night average stay.
This trend has profound implications for Ghana's real estate and hospitality investment landscape. Developers and investors will likely focus more on hybrid accommodation models. These models blend the comforts of a home with select hotel services. This adaptation could further boost the country's appeal to a wider range of international visitors. It will also capture more long-term spending in the local economy. Policymakers will also need to consider regulating this growing segment of the accommodation market. This includes ensuring fair practices and quality standards across all types of short-term rentals.