DOMESTIC TOURISM: A STIMULUS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN GHANA

Abstract

This study is to find out how effectively domestic tourism can contribute to economic development in Ghana. The research problem is that there is little or no domestic tourism in Ghana but which is a vital component of every national tourism industry. Data was gathered from documented evidence. Two sets of open and closed ended questionnaire and semi-structured interview checklist were administered to households (households heard or their representatives), Potential tourist (i.e. natives of and visitors, tourist to the respective study areas in the Upper East, Ashanti and Central regions) and authorities of the tourism sector (i.e. successful service provides and tourist boards in the three regions). Using a scientific formula by Yamane (1973), a sample of 395 and 399 was selected for the households and the potential tourist respectively. In consultation with the respective tourist boards seven service providers were selected. A semi-structured set of questions were however used to gather information from service providers. Results from the study show that the tourism industry does not cater for domestic tourist. Though tourism is growing in Ghana and has the potential of contributing great economic benefits to the country, domestic tourism has been ignored. It is recommended that the tourism industry in Ghana should include Ghanaians through a pragmatic marketing strategy, an affordable price structure, quality services to customers, affordable, and accessible transportation, good road network and variety of appealing attractions. In a nutshell there is the need for domestic tourism to be improved in Ghana since there is great pride and love among Ghanaians for their country.