CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

Transcription

1 CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND Tourism in Ghana has become a major socio-economic activity and one of the most important and fastest growing sectors of the Ghanaian economy. Hence, the performance of the sector needs to be analyzed in order to obtain the most recent and reliable trends in domestic and international tourism. The main purpose of this report is to analyze recent trends in domestic and international tourism in Ghana from 1995 to This information is essential for making informed decisions on planning, monitoring, marketing and evaluating programmes and activities of tourism at district, regional and national levels. It is a useful document for investors, tourism industry operators, government and the general public. Ghana s economy which is largely agro-based was in the past characterized by dwindling foreign reserves, high inflation, depreciation of the cedi and fluctuating growth. The development of tourism in an integrated and more sustainable way has helped in increasing the country s foreign exchange earnings, stabilized inflation, appreciated the cedi and increased growth, thereby contributing to reducing poverty in the country. Furthermore, the promotion of domestic tourism in general and the development of historical, cultural and natural heritage sites in particular have made tourism a major source of domestic income for majority of Ghanaians, thus improving the living conditions of many Ghanaians residing in the countryside where these sites are located. International tourist arrivals and receipts have been increasing substantially since In 2004, the sector attracted more than 500,000 tourists into the country with the corresponding tourist receipts of 640 million US dollars. In West Africa, Ghana leads its neighbours as the number one tourist destination. Tourism is the fourth largest foreign exchange earner after cocoa, gold and remittances from abroad. 1

2 The growth of tourism in this country is a result of the political stability, as well as social, economic and technological changes that have taken place in the country. It is also due to the hosting of important events like Pan African Festivals (PANAFEST), Emancipation Day Celebrations, National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC), among others. 1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE REPORT The objectives of the report are to analyse the trends of international tourist arrivals and receipts into the country, the purpose of visits and tourist expenditure. It is also to analyse visitor arrivals and revenue accruing to selected major tourist sites and community-based eco-tourism sites, as well as accommodation capacity in the country from 1995 to THE STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT The report is organized into five chapters. Chapter one is the introduction which includes the background, objectives, the structure of the report, data sources and the tourist sites in Ghana. Chapter two presents analysis on international tourist arrivals and the corresponding tourist receipts. This is further disaggregated by purpose of visit and international tourist expenditure while chapter three presents analysis on visitor arrivals and revenue accruing to some selected major tourist sites and community-based eco-tourism sites. Chapter four presents international air passenger and aircraft movements while chapter five discusses the trends in accommodation capacity in Ghana. 1.4 DATA SOURCES Data from the Ghana Tourist Board s annual reports is the main information used for the report. Data were also received from Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, Wildlife Division, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust, Nature Conservation Research Centre (NCRC) and Ghana Immigration Service. 2

3 1.5 TOURIST SITES IN GHANA Selected Major Tourist Sites The selected major tourist sites in the country include Aburi Botanic Gardens, Accra Zoological Gardens, Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle. Others are Kumasi Zoological Gardens, Kakum National Park, Shai Hills Resource Reserve and Mole National Park. Aburi Botanic Gardens is located at Aburi in the Eastern Region. Accra Zoological Gardens is located in the heart of the city of Accra, in the Greater Accra Region. Cape Coast Castle can be found in Cape Coast in the Central Region. Elmina Castle is located in Elmina, also in the Central Region. Kumasi Zoological Gardens is located in the center of Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region. Kakum National Park is located about 25 kilometers from Cape Coast in the Central Region. Shai Hills Resource Reserve is situated at Shai, in the Greater Accra Region. It covers 52 square kilometers, made up of five hills, and the highest is 290 metres. Mole National Parks is found in the Northern region, near Damago. It is the Ghana s largest national park covering more than 4,800 square kilometers of woodland savannah with low hills and esxarpments Selected Community-Based Eco-Tourism Sites The selected community-based ecotourism sites are Amedzofe, Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Bobiri Forest and Bufferfly Sanctuary and Bunso. Others are Liate Wote, Nzulezu, Paga Crocodile Pond, Sirigu Traditional Pottery, Art and Architecture and Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary. The rest are Tano Boase Sacred Grove, Tongo Hills, Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary and Xavi Bird Watching and Cultural Canoe Tours. Amedzofe is a community-based eco-tourism site in the Volta Region. Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is Ghana s most famous example of traditional African conservation. It covers 4.4 square kilometer piece of forest. It is situated between two villages, Boabeng and Fiema in the Brong Ahafo Region. Bobiri Forest and Butterfly Sanctuary is located at Bobiri in the Ashanti Region. Bunso is in the Eastern Region. Liate Wote Monkey Sanctuary is located in Liate Wote in the Volta Region while Nzulezu can be found in the Western Region, 90 kilometers west of Takoradi. 3

4 Paga Crocodile Pond is located at Paga in the Upper East Region. Sirigu is known throughout Ghanaian history for its pottery, basket weaving and unique symbolic wall decorations. It is located in Sirigu, in the Upper East Region. Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary is located in the heart of the Volta Region, 43 kilometres south of Hohoe. The Tano Boase Sacred Grove is found in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Tongo Hills constitute a unique cultural landscape and is located in the Upper East Region. Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary, a community protected area, is located at the extreme north-western corner of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Xavi Birds Watching and Cultural Canoe Tours is a community-based eco-tourism project located in Akatsi District in the Volta Region of Ghana. 4

5 CHAPTER TWO INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS AND RECEIPTS, TRENDS OF INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS AND RECEIPTS Tables 2.1 and 2.2 show the trends of international tourist arrivals and tourist receipts. International tourist arrivals and receipts in Ghana showed consistent improvement during the period, Trends of international tourist arrivals during the decade, , showed an annual growth rate of 6.5 percent during the first half of the decade and increased to 9.4 percent during the second half of the decade. For the entire ten year period, , international arrivals grew at an average annual rate of 8.0 percent. The least growth rate of 5.4 percent was recorded in 1995 while the highest growth rate of 10.0 percent was recorded in 2001, 2002, 2003 and In absolute terms, international tourist arrivals increased by 297,800, registering percent increase, between 1995 and In 2004, the final figures for international tourism showed an increase of 10.0 percent for arrivals and 7.7 percent for tourist receipts. The annual trends in arrivals and receipts could constitute a reliable indicator for monitoring growth in the tourism industry. The trend in growth in international tourist receipts (tourist spending in the country excluding international transport) showed a similar pattern as that of international tourist arrivals. Tourist receipts during the second half of the decade increased at an annual rate of 16.5 percent compared to 6.0 percent in the first half of the decade. The overall growth rate in tourist receipts for the decade registered 11.3 percent a year. From 1995 to 2004, tourist receipts grew by over 400 million US dollars, registering percent increase. International tourist receipts registered the least growth rate of 2.5 percent in 1995 while the highest growth rate of 16.0 percent was recorded in 2001, 2002 and

6 Table 2.1 International Tourist Arrivals and Receipts, Arrivals (000 s) % annual change Receipts (million US $ ) % annual change Source: Ghana Tourist Board Table 2.2 Trends of International Tourist Arrivals and Receipts, Increase between Average Annual Growth Rate (%) Category Tourist Arrivals In thousands 1995 and Tourism Receipts (million US $) Source: Ghana Tourist Board Figure 2.1: International Tourist Arrivals and Receipts, Number of Arrivals and Receipts Arrivals ('000) Receipts (million US $ ) Year 6

7 2.2 TRENDS OF INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS IN GHANA BY NATIONALITY, Table 2.3 presents the trends of international tourist arrivals in Ghana by nationality from 1999 to Ghanaians resident overseas constituted the highest number of tourists, representing 27.2 percent of the total tourists into the country in This segment showed an average annual growth rate of 9.02 percent during the period. Nigerians recorded the second highest international tourists into the country. International tourists from Nigeria to Ghana increased considerably from 1999 to The Nigerian share was the second highest in 1999 and 2004, recording percent and percent respectively. Tourist arrivals from Nigeria increased at an average annual rate of 8.98 percent between 1999 and Trips made by tourists from United Kingdom (U.K.) constituted the third biggest flow of international tourists into Ghana. The trips were 50,547 in 2004 and 32,300 in 1999, an increase of 18,247 tourists during the period. It registered an average annual growth rate of 9.00 percent between 1999 and The UK s market share in 1996 and 2004 were 8.67 percent and 8.65 percent respectively. The United States of America was the fourth in overall share of arrivals with 6.60 percent of the market share in 1999 and 6.59 percent in The United States of America recorded 24,600 arrivals in 1999, and this increased to 38,508 in Even though USA s market share remained almost the same, its arrivals had increased at an average annual rate of 8.97 percent during the period. Germanys recorded 17,980 tourist arrivals in the country in In 2004, the arrivals increased to 28,168, registering 56.7 percent increase, at an average annual growth rate of 9.01 percent during the period. Its market share in 1999 was 4.8 percent and it increased to 4.83 percent in

8 Cote D Ivorie recorded 17,916 international tourist arrivals in 1999 and this number increased to 28,069 arrivals, representing 56.7 percent increase, at an average annual growth rate of 9.07 percent between 1996 and Cote D Ivoire s market share was strong, showing a share of 4.8 percent in 1999 and 4.83 percent in France recorded the least growth rate of 1.53 percent from 1999 to Between the same period, tourists from the country to Ghana increased by 56.7 percent. The market share in 1999 was 3.6 percent and it increased to 3.61 percent in The heading other represents many countries whose individual percentage share of arrivals is low. It constituted percent market share in 1999 and percent in 2004, accounting for an average annual growth rate of percent during the period. 8

9 Table 2.3: Trends of International Tourist Arrivals in Ghana by Nationality, Origin Percentage change Market Average annual Number of Arrivals (in thousands) over previous year share (%) growth rate (%) /98 00/99 04/ USA UK Germany France Netherlands Canada Switzerland Scandinavia Italy Cote D lvoire Nigeria Togo Overseas Ghanaians Other Total Source: Ghana Tourist Board 9

10 2.3 TRENDS OF INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS IN GHANA BY REGION, Tables 2.4 and 2.5 present the trends of international tourist arrivals in Ghana by region between 1996 and Trends of international tourist arrivals into the country by region indicated an average annual growth rate of 9.26 percent in the second half of the period, and an average annual growth rate of 6.84 percent in the first half of the period, Between 1995 and 2003, the total number of international tourist arrivals into the country increased by 244,827, registering 85.6 percent increase, at an average annual growth rate of 8.0 percent. Middle East recorded the highest growth rate, registering percent growth a year, on average, over the eight years period. The Americas registered the second highest growth of percent a year, followed by Europe, percent, between 1996 and Similarly, Africa recorded an average annual growth rate of percent while East Asia/ Pacific registered percent during the period. In 2003, Africa contributed more than 61 percent of the total tourist arrivals followed by Europe, 25.0 percent, the Americas, 8.4 percent, while East Asia/Pacific and Middle East registered 4.8 percent and 0.8 percent respectively. During the same period, the total number of international tourists from Africa into Ghana increased by 149,942, while Europe and the Americas grew by 60,690 and 20,562 respectively. East Asia/Pacific and Middle East s share of international tourist arrivals grew by 11,776 and 1,854 respectively. 10

11 Table 2.4: International Tourist Arrivals in Ghana by Region, Arrivals Region Africa 175, , , , , , , , ,101 Americas 24,019 25,603 2, ,222 31,297 33,509 36,855 40,534 44,581 East Asia/Pacific 13,756 14,663 15,653 16,736 17,924 19,191 21,107 23,214 25,532 Europe 70,897 75,572 80,673 86,254 92,377 98, , , ,587 Middle East 2,169 2,312 2,468 2,639 2,827 3,026 3,329 3,661 4,023 Total Arrivals 286, , , , , , , ,827 Source: Ghana Tourist Board Table 2.5: Trends of International Tourist Arrivals in Ghana by Region, Increase between Market Share Arrivals (000 s) (%) Average Annual Growth Rate (%) Region & Africa Americas East Asia/Pacific Europe Middle East Total Arrivals Source: Ghana Tourist Board 11

12 2.4 TOP FOURTEEN MARKETS, 2003 Table 2.6 presents the ranking of international tourist arrivals for the top fourteen countries in The countries were classified according to their contribution to tourist arrivals into the country. Nigeria topped the group, contributing 13.7 percent of the year s total arrivals, registering 10.2 percent growth in 2003 over the 2002 figure. Out of the fourteen countries which contributed 57.5 percent of the total tourist arrivals into the country, Nigeria, United Kingdom and United States of America contributed 29.0 percent of the arrivals. Half of the fourteen countries are from Western Africa, and they contributed 28.9 percent of the tourist arrivals. Five countries, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands and Italy, which are European countries, contributed more than 20.0 percent of the total arrivals in United States of America and Canada registered 7.9 percent of the arrivals. With regards to annual growth, all the 14 countries exhibited positive and the same growth rate with the exception of Nigeria which registered 10.2 percent increase in 2003 over 2002 figure. 12

13 Table 2.6: Ranking of International Tourist Arrivals from Top Fourteen Countries, 2003 Rank Country Tourist Arrivals (in thousands) 2003 Growth Rate (%) 96/95 99/98 03/02 % of Total Arrivals Nigeria U. K U. S. A Germany Cote D lvoire France Togo Liberia Netherlands Mali Niger Burkina Faso Canada Italy Total TOTAL TOURISTS Source: Ghana Tourist Board 13

14 2.5 INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS BY PURPOSE OF VISIT, Table 2.7 presents the trends of international tourist arrivals in Ghana by purpose of visit from 1996 to Between 1996 and 2004 about 30.0 percent of the international tourists visiting Ghana came for holiday/vacation. From 1996 to 2000, this category of tourists increased at an annual rate of 6.9 percent whilst it increased to 10.0 percent, a year, during the period Between 1996 and 2004, holiday/vacation tourists increased at an average annual rate of 8.3 percent. In absolute terms, holiday/vacation tourists into the country increased by 88,500 between 1996 and Slightly more than one-fifth of all international tourist arrivals into the country constituted business tourism. During the period, 1996 to 2004, visits for business increased at an average annual rate of 8.3 percent whilst from 2001 to 2004, the rate was 10.0 percent. It recorded an average annual growth rate of 6.9 percent between 1996 and 2000 About 20.0 percent of all arrivals visited family and friends and the number of arrivals increased at an average annual rate of 8.3 percent during the period, For the first half of the period, , the average annual growth rate was 6.9 percent while in the second half of the period, , it recorded an average annual growth rate of 10.0 percent. International tourists who arrived for government/official duty accounted for 10.7 percent of the total arrivals. This category of visitors increased at an average annual rate of 8.3 percent during the period, 6.9 percent was recorded as the average annual growth rate from 1996 to 2000 while 10.0 percent was recorded as the average yearly growth rate from 2001 to Sports, convention, culture, health, study/teaching and transit each contributed less than 4 percent of the visitors into the country and each category recorded an average annual growth rate of 8.3 percent for the period,

15 Table 2.7: International Tourist Arrivals by Purpose of Visit, Arrivals (000 s) Group Increase in Arrivals Between 1996 & 2004 % Change Market Share (%) Average Annual Growth Rate (%) 04\ Business Holiday\vacation Visiting family & Friends Convention Official/ Government Culture Study/Teaching Health Sports Transit Total Source: Ghana Tourist Board 15

16 2.6 INTERNATIONAL TOURIST EXPENDITURE, Table 2.8 presents the trends of international tourist expenditure by category from 1996 to Expenditure on accommodation topped all the other categories, accounting for 29.0 percent in 1996 and 31.2 percent in Expenditure on accommodation in 1996 was 72 million US dollars and it increased to 187 million US dollars in 2003, showing an increase of percent, at an average annual growth rate of 13.7 percent during the period. Tourist expenditure on accommodation registered an average annual growth rate of 8.8 percent between 1996 and 1999 and 18.6 percent between 2000 and Tourists spending on entertainment was the second most important category and showed the highest growth rate of 28.9 percent. Sixty-two million US dollars was spent on entertainment in This figure rose to 96.5 million US dollars in 2003, registering 55.6 percent increase, at an average annual growth rate of 28.0 percent during the period. Between 1996 and 1999, expenditure on entertainment increased at an average annual rate of 37.4 percent while 18.7 percent was recorded as the average annual growth rate from Spending on food and beverages was the third highest category, indicating a share of 13.0 percent in 1996 and 16.2 percent in In 1996, 32 million US dollars was spent on food and beverages and this figure increased to 96.5 million US dollars in 2003, registering percent increase, at an average annual growth rate of 12.7 percent between It registered an average annual growth rate of 6.7 percent between 1996 and 1999, 18.7 percent between 2000 and 2003 and an over all increase of 12.7 percent a year between 1996 and Expenditure on shopping (formal) was the fourth, accounting for 10.1 percent of the total expenditure in 2003 and 9.0 percent in Expenditure on formal shopping increased at an average annual rate of 14.3 percent during the period. Informal shopping was the fifth, registering percent increase, at average annual growth rate of 13.7 percent between 1996 and Its share in 1996 was 9.0 percent and it increased to 10.1 percent in International tourist spending on local transportation was the sixth, but showed the second highest growth rate, accounting for 8.1 percent of the total expenditure in 2003 and 9.0 percent in Expenditure on local transportation grew at an average annual rate of 13.1 percent from 1996 to 1999, 18.8 percent from 2000 to 2003 and the overall average annual growth rate between 1996 and 2003 was 16.0 percent. 16

17 Table 2.8: Trends of Tourist Expenditure by Category, Category Expenditure in Million US dollars Increase in expenditure between Market Share (%) Average Annual Growth rate (%) 1996 & Local Transportation Shopping (Formal Market) Shopping (Non-formal Market) Food and Beverages Accommodation Entertainment (Recreation) Other Expenditure Total Expenditure Source: Ghana Tourist Board 17

18 CHAPTER THREE VISITATION TO SELECTED TOURIST SITES, TOTAL VISITOR ARRIVALS AND REVENUE ACCRUING TO SELECTED MAJOR TOURIST SITES, Tables 3.1 and 3.2 present the trends of total visitor arrivals and revenue accruing to selected major tourist sites, from 1995 to Visitor arrivals to selected tourist sites in the country increased at an average annual rate of 22.9 percent from 1996 to From 2000 to 2004, arrivals to these sites decreased by 3.2 percent a year. However, the overall average annual growth rate from 1996 to 2004 was 8.4 percent. In 1996, 205,300 visitors were recorded in these sites. This figure increased to 353,400 in 2004, registering 72.1 percent increase. The years 2001, 2002, and 2003 showed a decline compared to the preceding years, but showed a positive growth rate of 6.7 percent in Unlike the number of arrivals, revenue from these sites had increased about forty fold to billion cedis, registering percent increase, at an average annual growth rate of 62.6 percent from 1996 to However, the least growth rate of 3.0 percent was recorded in Table 3.1 Total Visitor Arrivals and Revenue Accruing to Selected Major Tourist Sites, Arrivals(thousands) Yearly change (%) Revenue (million cedis) Yearly change (%) Source: Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust and Wildlife Division 18

19 Table 3.2 Trends of Visitor Arrivals and Revenue Accruing to Selected Major Tourist Sites, Increase Between Average Annual Growth Rate (%) 1996 and Tourist Arrivals ( 000) Revenue (million cedis) 2, Source: Ghana Museums and Monuments Board Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust and Wildlife Division Fig 3.1: Total Visitor Arrivals and Revenue Accruing to Selected Major Tourist Sites Number of Arrivals and Revenue Arrivals (thousand) Revenue (million cedis) Year 19

20 3.2 VISITOR ARRIVALS AND REVENUE ACCRUING TO SPECIFIC SELECTED TOURIST SITES, Tables 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6 present the trends of visitor arrivals and revenue accruing to specific selected major tourist sites in Ghana from 1995 to Aburi Botanic Gardens Visitor arrivals to the Aburi Botanic Gardens showed a modest increase (2.1 percent) over the seven years period, (Table 3.4). In 1998, 65,100 visitor arrivals were recorded at the site. This figure reduced to 59,700 in 2004, however, the site registered an average annual growth rate of 2.1 percent over the seven years period. The site contributed 20 percent in 1998, 15.4 percent in 2003 and 16.9 percent in 2004 of the total arrivals to these sites in the country. Between 1998 and 2000, arrivals to the site grew at an average annual rate of 7.6 percent, but recorded a negative growth rate of 2.0 percent between 2001 and Total revenue from Aburi Botanic Gardens in 1998 was 62.1 million cedis. This figure rose to 425 million cedis in 2004, registering percent increase, growing at 25.2 percent a year, during the seven years period. Between 1998 and 2000, revenue from the site experienced an increase of 17.1 percent a year while from 2001 to 2004, revenue grew by 31.2 percent a year. Accra Zoological Gardens Accra Zoological Gardens recorded appreciable tourist arrivals between 1995 and In 1995, the site registered 52,000 visitor arrivals and in 1998 the figure increased to 85,600. In 2004, however, this number reduced to 85,400, recording a reduction of 0.2 percent, representing an average annual growth rate of 11.1 percent for the period. The site s share of total arrivals in 1998 was 26.3 percent, and it was the highest in the country, while in 2004, its share was 24.2 percent which was also the highest arrivals recorded in the year. The site recorded the highest share of visitor arrivals in 1998, 2000 and It showed a continuous increase from and dipped in 2001 and 2002 and recorded a gradual increase in subsequent years. (Table 3.4) 20

21 Revenue from Accra Zoological Gardens in 1998 was 16.8 million cedis. By 2004, the total revenue from the site had risen to million cedis, accounting for 1,078.6 percent increase, at an average annual growth rate of 52.2 percent, from 1998 to Its share of the total arrivals was 3.7 percent in 1996 and it doubled in Of the total of billion cedis realized in 2004, Accra Zoo contributed 7.6 percent. Unlike the visitor arrivals, revenue from the site increased during the period. Cape Coast Castle Cape Coast Castle is one of the key tourist sites in the country. Arrivals to the castle in 1995 were 28,700 and this number rose to 36,800 in 2004, registering an increase of 28.2 percent. Between 1998 and 2000, visitor arrivals to the site increased by 3.3 percent a year while between 2001 and 2004, it recorded an average annual growth rate of 6.3 percent. The overall average annual growth rate between 1998 and 2004 was 5.0 percent. The castle s share in 1998 was 11.3 percent while in 2004 the share reduced to 10.4 percent. Arrivals to the site showed a continuous increase from 1995 to 1999 but dipped in 2000, 2002 and 2003 respectively. In 1995, Cape Coast Castle realized 24.6 million cedis as revenue. For the ten years period, , revenue had increased by over ten times; i.e million cedis. From 1998 to 2004, revenue from the Castle increased at an average annual rate of 28.2 percent while from , revenue grew at an average annual rate of 46.5 percent. From 2001 to 2004, it recorded an average annual growth rate of 14.4 percent. In 1998, it realised 81.1 million cedis, representing 13.0 percent share whilst in 2004 its share decreased to 10.0 percent. Elmina Castle Elmina Castle follows Aburi Botanic Gardens in terms of visitor arrivals to these sites. Arrivals to the Elmina Castle reached 28,400 in In ten years time, the figure reached 49,300, representing 73.6 percent increase. In 1998, the site s share was 18.2 percent, while in 2004 its share reduced to 14.0 percent. The site registered an average annual growth of 44.7 percent of arrivals, from 1998 to 2000 while 11.9 percent was recorded as the average annual growth rate, from Between 2001 and 2004, it recorded a reduction in arrivals of 12.7 percent a year. The site showed a continuous increase in arrivals from 1995 to 2000 but dipped in 2001, 2002 and 2003 and showed a slight increase in 2004 over 2003 figure. 21

22 Revenue from the Elmina Castle constituted the third biggest visitor revenue after Kakum National Park and Aburi Botanic Gardens. Its contribution in 1995 was 26.5 million cedis. This figure reached million cedis in 2004, representing 1,003.8 percent increase. Its share was 14.8 percent in 1998 and it reduced to 11.3 percent in 2004 even though its revenue increased considerably over the years, with the exception of 2004 in which it recorded a slight decrease. Between 1998 and 2000, arrivals to the site increased at an average annual rate of 45.4 percent. From , it recorded 10.9 percent yearly increase while it recorded an average annual growth rate of 25.7 percent between 1998 and Kakum National Park Visitor arrivals to Kakum National Park continued to increase as it showed the second highest growth rate during the period. Visitor arrivals to the site in 1995 were 22,300. In 1998, the site registered 59,000 visitors, and for seven years, 2004, the site recorded 73,600 visitor arrivals, representing 24.7 percent, and growing at an average annual rate of 16.9 percent. The market share of the site increased nearly by percentage points in 2002 compared to 1998, topping arrivals in the year. Between 1998 and 2000, arrivals to the site increased by 25.3 percent a year while between 2001 and 2004, arrivals to the site grew by 10.7 percent a year. Visitors to the site increased substantially from 1997 to 2002 but dipped in In 1998, the site generated almost 300 million cedis in revenue, representing percent over the preceding year. In 1997 there was a sharp decline in revenue, but in 1998, the site experienced a substantial rise in revenue and continued thereafter. More than 1.2 billion cedis was realized from the site in 2004, representing 46.7 percent of the total revenue from selected major tourist sites, and an increase of 28.3 percent over 2003 figure. From 1998 to 2004, revenue from the site grew at 71.9 percent a year. 22

23 Kumasi Zoological Gardens In 1995, visitor arrivals to Kumasi Zoological Gardens were 51,500. The lowest visitor arrivals were recorded in the year 2000, (24,800) while the highest arrivals were recorded in 2002, (73,300). The site recorded a dip in arrivals in 2003 and Between 1998 and 2004, visitor arrivals to the site increased at an average annual rate of 7.4 percent while between 2001 and 2004, it recorded an average annual growth rate of 25.5 percent. The site registered a negative growth of 16.7 percent a year, between 1998 and However, the share of the site to total visitor arrivals was 10.9 percent in 1998 and this increased to 20.0 percent in 2002 but reduced to 12.4 percent in In 1995, Kumasi Zoo generated 8.5 million cedis. Revenue from the site increased to million cedis in 2004, representing percent increase. Between 1998 and 2004, revenue from the site increased at an average annual rate of 35.6 percent. Its market share in 1998 was 1.0 percent while in 2004 its share rose to 5.0 percent. Between 1998 and 2004, revenue from the site increased at an average annual rate of 35.6 percent. Mole National Park Mole National Park is the main tourist site in the northern Ghana. Tourist arrivals to the site increased considerably between 1995 and 1998 but dipped in 1999 and In 1998, the Park registered 1.5 percent as share of visitor arrivals, and in 2002, the share increased to 1.8 percent. Between 1998 and 2002, the site registered an average annual growth rate of 3.5 percent in visitor arrivals. Revenue from the site increased from 1995 to 2000, except in In 1996, the site realized 3.4 million cedis in revenue. The following year, 1997, it recorded a decrease in revenue, (3.0 million cedis). In 2000, the site recorded 63.6 million cedis, showing an increase of percent over 1999 figure. Revenue to the site recorded an average annual growth rate of percent during the period, 1998 to In 1998, the site recorded a share of 0.9 percent and this increased to 5.0 percent in

24 Shai Hills Resource Reserve Shai Hills Resource Reserve showed the greatest growth rate in visitor arrivals from 1998 to 2004, despite the fact that it recorded low arrival figures. Shai Hills recorded 1,100 visitor arrivals in 1998, and seven years after, the figure increased to 4,900, registering percent increase, at an average annual growth rate of 49.7 percent. Of the total 353,400 arrivals in 2004, 4,900 were visitors to Shai Hills Resource Reserve. Between 1998 and 2000, total arrivals to the site increased at an average annual rate of 63.9 percent whilst it recorded 35.5 percent average annual rate between 2001 and The site recorded a low share of 0.3 percent of arrivals in 1998 but this increased to 1.9 percent in Shai Hills Resource Reserve recorded a market share of 0.5 percent of revenue in 1998 and 2.5 percent in Revenue from Shai Hills showed continuous increase during the period, even though the revenue from the site was low compared to other sites. In 1996, the site generated 1.4 million cedis. In 1998, the figure doubled, amounting to 3.2 million cedis. The site recorded 65.5 million cedis in 2004, registering an increase of over 100 percent over 2003 figure. Revenue from the site registered an average annual growth rate of 84.5 percent from Table: 3.3: Visitor Arrivals to Selected Major Tourist Sites, (Thousands of Arrivals) Attraction Site Aburi Botanic Gardens Accra Zoological Gardens Cape Coast Castle Elmina Castle Kakum National Park Kumasi Zoological Gardens Mole National Park Shai Hills Resource Reserve Total Arrivals Source: Ghana Museums and Monuments Board and Wildlife Division 24

25 Table 3.4: Trends of Visitor Arrivals to Selected Major Tourist Sites, Attraction Site Arrivals (in thousands) Market share (%) Yearly change Average Annual (%) Growth rate (%) 03/02 04/ Aburi Botanic Gardens Accra Zoo Cape Coast Castle Elmina Castle Kakum National Park Kumasi Zoo Mole National Park Shai Hills Resource Reserve TOTAL Source: Ghana Museums and Monuments Board and Wildlife Division 25

26 Table 3.5: Revenue Accruing to Specific Selected Major Tourist Sites, (revenue in million cedis) Attraction Site Aburi Botanic Gardens Accra Zoological Gardens Cape Coast Castle Elmina Castle Kakum National Park ,214.3 Kumasi Zoological Gardens Mole National Park Shai Hills Resource Reserve TOTAL Source: Ghana Museums and Monuments Board and Wildlife Division 26

27 Table 3.6: Trends of Revenue Accruing to Specific Selected Major Tourist Sites, Attraction Site Revenue in million cedis Market share (%) Growth Rate (%) 03/02 04/03 Average Annual Growth Rate (%) Aburi Botanic Gardens Accra Zoo Cape Coast Castle Elmina Castle Kakum National Park Kumasi Zoo Mole National Park Shai Hills Resource Reserve TOTAL Source: Ghana Museums and Monuments Board and Wildlife Division 27

28 3.3 TOTAL VISITOR ARRIVALS AND REVENUE ACCRUING TO SELECTED COMMUNITY BASED ECO -TOURISM SITES, Table 3.7 presents the trends of total visitor arrivals and revenue accruing to selected community-based eco tourism sites, from 2002 to The total visitor arrivals to these sites in 2002, 2003, and 2004 were 26,500, 27,360 and 25,610 respectively. In 2003, total visitor arrivals to these sites showed an increase of 3.2 percent over 2002 figure while it showed a reduction of 11.2 percent, over 2003 figure. Total visitor arrivals to these sites registered a yearly average reduction of 4.0 percent (Table 3.4.1) between 2002 and Revenue from these sites showed similar trends as for the arrivals. In 2002, an amount of 280 million cedis was collected as revenue from these sites. Revenue increased to 625 million cedis in 2003, representing percent change over the 2002 figure, but recorded a reduction in revenue of 46.4 percent in Revenue from the sites showed an annual growth rate of percent (Table 3.4.2) from 2002 to Table 3.7: Total Visitor Arrivals and Revenue Accruing to Selected Community Based Eco-Tourism Sites, Arrivals (thousands) Yearly change (%) Revenue (million cedis) Yearly change (%) Source: Ghana Tourist Board 28

29 3.4 VISITOR ARRIVALS AND REVENUE ACCRUING TO SPECIFIC SELECTED COMMUNITY BASED ECO-TOURISM SITES, Tables 3.8 and 3.9 present trends of visitor arrivals and revenue accruing to specific selected community-based eco-tourism sites in Ghana from 2002 to Amedzofe The share of Amedzofe site in visitor arrivals in Ghana remained virtually unchanged for the period 2002 to Arrivals to the site increased by 14.6 percent in 2003 over the 2002 figure. It recorded a reduction in arrivals in 2004, resulting in a yearly decline in arrivals of 16.1 percent from 2002 to 2004; the least growth rate compared to the other sites during the period. Revenue from Amedzofe showed a modest yearly increase of 21.7 percent between 2002 and In 2002, 19.7 million cedis was realized from the site. In 2003, the site registered an increase in revenue of 98.9 percent over the 2002 level but recorded a decline in revenue in 2004, 54.8 percent. Its share represented 7.0 percent in 2002, 6.2 percent in 2003 and 5.3 percent in Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary maintained its dominance as the leading eco-tourism destination. It recorded 6,240 visitors in 2002, 7,330 in 2003 and 7,340 visitors in Its share grew from 23.6 percent in 2002 to 30.2 percent in Between 2002 and 2004, visitor arrivals to the Sanctuary increased at an average annual rate of 8.7 percent. 29

30 The Sanctuary recorded 42.5 million cedis in This figure rose to million cedis the following year, an increase of percent over the preceding year. However, revenue from the Sanctuary showed a different picture. This is because 6,240 visitors yielded 42.5 million cedis in 2002, while a little over 7,000 visitors yielded million cedis in The Sanctuary contributed 15.1 percent share in 2002 while in 2004, its share declined to 12.0 percent. Between 2002 and 2004, the Sanctuary s revenue increased at an annual average rate of 39.0 percent. The site showed the fourth highest growth rate, from in terms of revenue generation. Bobiri Forest and Butterfly Sanctuary Bobiri Forest and Butterfly Sanctuary recorded 1,470 visitor arrivals in 2002, 2,160 visitor arrivals in 2003 and 1,650 visitor arrivals in The Sanctuary s share grew from 5.6 percent in 2002 to 6.8 percent in Visitor arrivals to the Sanctuary increased at an average annual rate of 11.7 percent during the period, The tourist site generated 42.7 million cedis in 2002, 42.4 million in 2003 and 15.4 million cedis in 2004; i.e. revenue from the site declined from , recording negative growth of 0.7 percent in 2002 and 63.6 percent in Its share in 2002, 2003 and 2004 was respectively 15.2 percent, 6.8 percent and 4.6 percent. Revenue from the Sanctuary recorded a negative growth of 32.2 percent between 2002 and Bunso Even though tourist flows to Bunso increased during the period , the figures were low compared to the other sites. Bunso registered the highest yearly growth rate of percent, from 2002 to The market share increased from 0.45 percent in 2002 to 4.8 percent in Bunso generated 10.1 million cedis in 2003 and 9.1 million cedis in 2004, representing 1.6 percent and 1.5 percent respectively as market share in 2003 and

31 Liate Wote. In 2002, 2,670 visitor arrivals were recorded in Liate Wote. The following year, visitor arrivals increased to 2,690. This number declined to 2,460 visitor arrivals in Visitor arrivals to Liate Wote in 2003 represented 0.01 percent increase over the 2002 level, while in 2004, it represented a decrease of 0.09 percent over the preceding year. Liate Wote s market share constituted 10.1 percent in 2002 but declined to 9.8 percent in 2003 and rose again to 10.1 percent in The Sanctuary registered 18.2 million cedis in 2002, 21.0 million cedis in 2003 and 12.5 million cedis in Despite these figures, the site recorded a negative growth, 12.7 percent showing the second least growth rate from 2002 to Liate Wote s share in 2002, 2003 and 2004 were 6.5 percent, 3.4 percent and 3.7 percent respectively. Nzulezu Tourist arrivals to Nzulezu reached 4,180 in 2002, constituting a market share of 15.8 percent of the total arrivals to community-based eco-tourism sites. Revenue generated at Nzulezu was the highest in 2002, amounting to 51.6 million cedis, representing 18.4 percent of total revenue from community-based eco-tourism sites. Paga Crocodile Pond Between 2002 and 2004, visitor arrivals to Paga Crocodile Pond had remained almost the same, with the exception of The share of arrivals was 22.0 percent in 2002, 20.0 percent in 2003 and 15.9 percent in The Pond registered a negative trend with a yearly decrease of percent from 2002 to Paga Crocodile Pond realized 10.5 million cedis in 2002, 22.9 million cedis in 2003 and 22.2 million cedis in 2004, representing a market share of 3.7 percent, 3.7 percent, and 6.6 percent respectively. Despite the decline in arrivals, revenue from the Pond increased at an average annual rate of 57.1 percent between 2002 and

32 Sirigu Sanctuary Visitor arrivals to Sirigu Sanctuary were 1,130 in 2003 and 1,520 in 2004, showing an increase of 34.5 percent in 2004 over the 2003 figure. The share of arrivals grew from 4.1 percent in 2003 to 6.3 percent in Even though Sirigu Sanctuary recorded low figures, the corresponding revenue during 2003 and 2004 was promising. In 2003, the Sanctuary generated 43.4 million cedis. In 2004, the amount increased to million cedis, up percent over the preceding year. Its share in 2003 and 2004 was respectively 6.9 percent and 34.0 percent. Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary Arrivals to Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary registered a decline of 3.0 percent between 2002 and In terms of market share, the site registered 8.5 percent in 2002, 6.3 percent in 2003 and 8.3 percent in Revenue from the Sanctuary in 2002 was 50.6 million cedis. In 2003, the Sanctuary showed the highest expansion in revenue, generating million cedis, up percent over the 2002 figure. In 2004, the site recorded a reduction in revenue, 82.2 percent over the preceding year. Revenue from the site increased at an average annual rate of percent from 2002 to 2004, showing the second highest growth rate among the sites. Tano Boase Sacred Grove Tano Boase Sacred Grove showed the fifth highest growth rate in visitor arrivals, from Between 2002 and 2004, the site registered an average annual growth rate of 28.8 percent, despite the fact that the flows of tourists were low. The site experienced more significant increases from 2002 to 2004, recording 1.4 million cedis in 2002 and 5.8 million cedis in The site recorded the third highest growth rate in revenue of percent between 2002 and 2004, even though the site recorded a decline in revenue in

33 Tongo Hills Tongo Hills followed Bunso in terms of high growth rate of tourist arrivals. It showed the third highest growth rate of 98.8 percent during the period, Its market share in visitor arrivals increased from 1.0 percent in 2002 to 3.0 percent in Tongo Hills also showed some expansion in revenue during the period. Revenue from the site in 2002 was 6.8 million cedis. This figure increased to 17.3 million cedis in 2004, registering an average annual growth rate of 67.3 percent between 2002 and The site s market share in 2002, 2003 and 2004 was 2.4, 2.3 and 5.2 percent respectively. Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary showed the fourth highest growth rate in visitor arrivals, registering an average annual growth rate of 35.8 percent between 2002 and In 2002, the Sanctuary recorded 900 visitors, and this increased to 1,580 visitors in The market share increased from 3.4 percent in 2002 to 6.5 percent in The site experienced a higher growth in revenue between 2002 and 2004, a yearly increase of 4.85 percent. In 2002, the Sanctuary realized 36.5 million cedis. In 2003, the figure rose to 50.3 million cedis, registering 37.8 percent growth over the 2002 figure. A decline in revenue was recorded in 2004, 28.1 percent over the 2003 figure. Xavi Bird Watching and Canoe Tours Xavi recorded only 40 visitors in The figure increased to 310 in 2003 while in 2004, there was significant drop of arrivals. From , the site recorded low values as its share of visitor arrivals, registering 0.2 percent in 2002, 1.1 percent in 2003 and 0.9 percent in However, the site recorded the second highest growth rate. Growth in revenue at Xavi was modest, recording 590,000 cedis in 2002, 4.3 million in 2003 and 2.2 million in Despite the low levels of revenue generation, the site showed the highest growth rate of percent a year, during the period,