The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) has reported strong early gains from the suite of digital innovations and tourism products introduced this year, as it briefed the media in Accra on Tuesday. The Company provided performance updates on flagship initiatives—such as the Ghana Tourism Marketplace (GTM), Ghana Tourism Investment Platform (GTIP), Fleet Pool Management Services and Accra By Night—while outlining new systems, expanded programmes and a bold investment mobilisation agenda planned for 2026.
GTDC’s CEO, Prof. Kobby Mensah, said the company’s first priority in 2025 was to build credible systems that provide verifiable evidence of Ghana’s tourism assets and opportunities—an approach he describes as critical for competing internationally.
“Our number one priority was to build the systems that can let us show evidence,” Prof. Mensah stated. “When we tell you we have A and B in Ghana, not only can you hear us, but you can see. We’ve put evidence—coordinates, videos with real people and authorities—so that investors know these places exist. Now that we have our systems, let the investment conferences follow.”
He revealed that in early 2026, GTDC will present a major investment mobilisation budget to its board, with a focus on aggressively marketing Ghana and courting investors who are already showing strong interest in tourism projects.
Digital platforms gaining global traction
At the core of GTDC’s strategy is the use of digital tools to reposition Ghana as a safe, secure and compelling global destination.
The Ghana Tourism Marketplace (GTM)—launched just a month ago—serves as both an online travel agency and a platform for sharing user experiences. GTDC reports that transactions have already been recorded from countries including Portugal, France and Germany, with customers booking events and tourist sites seamlessly online.
The Ghana Tourism Investment Platform (GTIP) profiles high-potential, investment-ready tourism projects. So far, 10 initiatives—including eco-resorts, heritage sites and cultural and religious attractions—have been listed, offering investors credible options that align with the country’s tourism diversification agenda.
Accra By Night expands as demand surges
Among GTDC’s flagship innovations, Accra By Night has quickly become the most popular. The immersive night-time city tour—held on the last Friday of each month—has seen overwhelming public interest. In December alone, GTDC is running 10 trips, up from the usual single monthly tour.
Since its introduction in April, at least 10 regular tours and 10 custom tours have been delivered for private groups, embassies and institutions. The success has prompted GTDC to scale the concept to other regions, with Cape Coast By Night, Kumasi By Night and Takoradi By Night in the pipeline.
Deputy CEO (Operations), Felicity Nelson, noted that GTDC is exploring partnerships with private companies to procure additional double-decker buses and expand the programme sustainably.
“We didn’t want to acquire debt without proof of concept,” she explained. “We needed to show that people want these tours—and we have. Now we’re open to partnership models where private companies provide buses while we pay in instalments. As a state agency, we must protect the public purse and invest responsibly.”
Laying foundations for bigger Returns
While the financial returns from the current innovations are modest, GTDC believes they represent the foundation for a much larger transformation. With systems now in place, GTDC plans to intensify international investor engagements, expand digital capabilities and commercialise its tourism products more aggressively in 2026.
Prof. Mensah summed up the company’s approach succinctly: “These are baby steps with great outcomes.”
