Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Leads Bold Industry Digitization Transformation

Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has outlined its ambitious vision to turn the West African country into a globally competitive, innovative, and sustainable tourism destination. This was made known by GTA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, while speaking at the 2025 National Tourism Awards on Friday, 14th November 2025, under the theme, “Celebrating Ghanaian Ingenuity and Excellence in Tourism: The Black Star Experience.”

Mrs. Houadjeto revealed that GTA has already launched Ghana Tourism Information System, designed to simplify and enhance tourism operations across the country with integrated suite of tools to revolutionize the industry by bringing efficiency, transparency, and convenience to businesses and tourists alike.

Through this innovative system, stakeholders in the tourism industry can now apply and renew operational licenses online, utilize the Levy Portal to file and pay levies seamlessly, while leverage the Tourism Business Manager to manage guest data, track expenses, and boost operational efficiency.

Mrs. Houadjeto also revealed plans by the GTA to launch the “Experience Ghana App”, a one-stop digital platform for consumers which will enable tourists to browse, book, and pay for services at the touch of a button, making their Ghanaian experience more accessible than ever.

For those unable to visit in person, the GTA is also set to introduce what it calls “Virtual Ghana,” an immersive virtual reality experience that will allow people from around the world to explore Ghana’s breathtaking destinations from the comfort of their homes.

“Soon, we will unveil the Experience Ghana App, a one-stop consumer platform where visitors can browse, book, and pay for services with one touch. And for those exploring from afar, Virtual Ghana will let the world experience our destinations through immersive virtual reality.”

“With this digital foundation, tourism in Ghana is resetting, with a new direction, a new rhythm, and a new spirit,” Mrs. Houadjeto stated, emphasizing the transformative impact of digitization on Ghana’s tourism landscape.

However, beyond digitization, the GTA is also focused on empowering tourism industry professionals. With this, the CEO of GTA explained that the Authority has developed a “Master Training Module” for hotels, restaurants, chefs, tour guides, and event professionals to elevate service excellence nationwide.

She noted that, in collaboration with Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA, the GTA intends to deliver specialized professional training to enhance skills and operational capacity across the sector, calling on Regional Directors to enforce quality standards and ensure every tourism experience in Ghana meets the highest levels of professionalism and product quality.

In alignment with the President John Dramani Mahama’s Green Ghana Agenda, Mrs. Houadjeto noted that the GTA is championing sustainability in tourism with plans underway to secure funding for solar-powered facilities and eco-lodges, which will not only reduce operational costs but also promote environmentally responsible tourism.

“These green initiatives are an investment in tourism and in the generations that will inherit this land,” Mrs. Houadjeto remarked, highlighting the dual benefits of economic and environmental sustainability. “In alignment with the President’s Green Ghana Agenda, we are championing sustainability in tourism.”

“This initiative also supports the MICE sector — Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions — boosting Ghana’s attractiveness as a destination. Every solar panel, every eco-lodge, every green initiative is an investment — not just in tourism, but in the generations that will inherit this land.”
The GTA’s vision according to Mrs. Houadjeto extends beyond Ghana’s borders, with plans to open offices in three states in the United States, namely; New York, Atlanta, and Chicago. These offices she said, will serve as hubs for tourism promotion, diaspora engagement, and business development, further positioning Ghana as a global leader in tourism and cultural diplomacy.

The Authority is also leveraging partnerships with international organizations to promote Ghana’s creative talent on the world stage. Initiatives like the “Mansa Musa Project” and collaborations with Columbus Artway Inc. in the U.S. aim to showcase Ghanaian arts, fashion, and innovation to global audiences.