As the service industry is set to continue to lead in the Ghanaian economy, the number of hotels and lodges in the country are growing, according to PwC. A number of internationally-branded hotels are based in Accra. As at May 2017, there were 2723 hotels and lodges in Ghana, it said.
In a report on Africa’s hospitality sector it said the continent’s emerging markets looks set to profit from foreign investment and an influx of foreign travellers.
“The emerging markets are set to post faster growth in revenue than their counterparts in developed countries, making them integral to the expansion strategies of some of the world’s leading hotel developers,” it said.
The report noted that the hotel sector in Ghana has remained resilient despite recent global economic challenges. Following the collapse in the oil price and that of other commodities, the government has taken steps to diversify the economy, including promoting the hospitality and tourism sector.
It adds that Ghana’s hospitality industry grew 1.2 per cent from 2015 to 2016.
Citing the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), it said Ghana’s tourism industry is expected to expand by 5.6 per cent in 2016 and maintain an annual growth rate of 5.1 per cent per annum from 2017 through to 2027.
“There is expected to be an increase in the number of business travellers to the country as the government embarks on a number of initiatives to stimulate economic growth. The government is also making improvements in transport infrastructure, with the construction of a third terminal at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport and allocation of funds for the repair of roads to popular tourist destinations. The hotel industry is expected to grow 1.1 per cent in 2017, 2.1 per cent in 2018 and 2.3 per cent in 2019,” said.
Pietro Calicchio, Hospitality & Gaming Industry leader for PwC Southern Africa was quoted as saying, “Having regard to the investment by foreign investors in the industry through the establishment of high-rated hotels, and an increasing number of tourists and business travellers, it is expected that there will be continuous growth in the industry.”
By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi
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