Ghana risks recording a decline in visitor numbers during this year's December in GH festivities as tourism operators raise concerns over what they describe as excessive electronic visa (e-visa) fees for members of the diaspora.
The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has warned that the current visa charges could discourage international visitors, particularly members of the Ghanaian diaspora, from travelling to the country for the festive season.
Speaking in an interview with TitbitsAfrica, President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana, Yvonne Donkor, said the association welcomes the reduced e-visa fees introduced for African nationals but remains concerned about the charges imposed on diaspora visitors.
According to her, diaspora travellers, who account for a significant share of Ghana's December tourism market, are expected to pay as much as US$260 for an e-visa.
She disclosed that the association has repeatedly appealed to government and relevant authorities to review the charges, including submitting several formal letters requesting a reduction.
"We are happy with the e-visa fees for African countries, but when it comes to the diaspora, where most of our visitors come from, they are expected to pay 260 dollars. We have been advocating and engaging government and the relevant agencies, including writing several letters, for a reduction," she said.
Ms. Donkor warned that the situation is becoming increasingly concerning as the festive season approaches, particularly for businesses within the hospitality sector.
She noted that hotels and other hospitality establishments would ordinarily be recording substantial bookings ahead of December, but many still have rooms available.
"A few weeks to December, the hotel and hospitality industry should be counting numbers. But the situation is very serious. Visit some of our hotels and you will still find empty rooms for December. These visa fees are not helping; they are discouraging members of the diaspora from coming to Ghana," she stressed.
She further cautioned that Ghana could lose potential visitors to other African destinations that are also positioning themselves to attract international tourists during the festive season through more competitive visa arrangements.
Ms. Donkor explained that the tourism market has become increasingly competitive, with several African countries targeting the same international visitors expected to participate in Ghana's December festivities.
The association is therefore appealing to government to urgently reconsider the e-visa charges for diaspora travelers to make Ghana a more accessible and attractive destination.
It warned that failure to address the concerns could result in reduced visitor numbers, with potential consequences for hotels, tour operators and other businesses across the wider hospitality industry during the festive period.
