South Africa Leads Efforts to Strengthen Tourism Ties with Ghana at Ministerial Outreach Program in Accra

 

On March 27, 2025, the South African Tourism Ministerial Outreach Program took place at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, Ghana. This event, organized by the South African High Commission, marked a critical step forward in enhancing the tourism partnership between Ghana and South Africa. It served as a platform to discuss opportunities for mutual growth, address challenges, and develop strategic measures to boost the tourism industry in both countries.

The discussions at the event focused on improving connectivity, simplifying the travel experience, and fostering closer collaboration between the two nations. Dr. Geoffrey, Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, spoke on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, sharing valuable insights into the growing popularity of South Africa among Ghanaian travelers. He revealed that visits from Ghana to South Africa had risen by an impressive 140%, highlighting the increasing travel ties between the two countries.

Despite this encouraging trend, Dr. Geoffrey stressed the need to make Ghana equally attractive to South African tourists. He proposed three key initiatives to achieve this goal: a joint marketing campaign promoting both nations as travel destinations, the streamlining of visa processes to facilitate easier travel, and the improvement of flight connectivity between the two countries. According to Dr. Geoffrey, these actions are essential for unlocking new avenues for economic development and cultural exchange.

Mrs. Alisa Osei-Asamoah, President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), supported Dr. Geoffrey’s vision and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong bilateral cooperation. She recognized Ghana as an important source market for South African tourism, noting the increasing number of Ghanaians visiting South Africa each year.

In her address, Hon. Patricia De Lille, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, provided an update on South Africa’s tourism performance and reiterated her country’s commitment to further strengthening its tourism ties with Ghana. She highlighted the success of the Visa Waiver Agreement introduced in 2022, which allowed 36,000 Ghanaians to visit South Africa, significantly contributing to the country’s tourism statistics. Additionally, South Africa welcomed nearly 9 million visitors from across Africa in the previous year, reinforcing its position as a leading tourism destination on the continent.

The event underscored the growing potential for deeper tourism collaboration between Ghana and South Africa, with both nations eager to capitalize on the opportunities for growth and cultural exchange.

Tags: Alisa Osei-Asamoah,  Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), South Africa, Ghana, Tourism, Dr. Geoffrey