Beyond the Return Summit: Ghana's Tourism Sector Sees Significant Impact

The Beyond the Return Summit, currently underway, has provided a platform to reflect on the initiative's impact on Ghana's tourism sector over the past five years. 

Annabelle McKenzie

According to Annabelle McKenzie, the   Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat at the Ghana Tourism Authority, the initiative has had a profound effect on the industry.

"Tourism has been an industry that has been largely impacted by Beyond the Return," McKenzie stated. "You look at hotels, restaurants, bars, tour operators, the economy has gained a lot from the diaspora."

However, McKenzie emphasized that Beyond the Return is not solely focused on tourism. "It's about connecting the diaspora with local Ghanaians. It's about culture. It's about integrating with language."

The initiative has also led to a significant increase in tourist arrivals from various markets. "The U.S. market is the number one arrivals market for Ghana," McKenzie revealed. "But if you look at the tourism numbers, we're also bringing continental Africans back to Ghana. Nigeria is the number two market and the U.K. is the number three arrivals market."

Annabelle McKenzie

McKenzie highlighted the importance of the tourism sector, which cuts across multiple sectors in Ghana. "Beyond the Return is more than just a marketing campaign. It is an economic driver and it will continue to be that."

As the Beyond the Return initiative continues to evolve, its impact on Ghana's tourism sector and the economy as a whole is expected to be significant.

Mayor Kobi

kobi, Mayor of Atlanta city south 14 Georgia, USA Praised Ghana's Beyond the Return Initiative.

Kobi, Mayor of South Fulton, Georgia, also expressed his admiration for Ghana's Beyond the Return initiative, calling it a "logical next step" for the African diaspora.

As a student of African history and a Pan-Africanist, he was drawn to Ghana's Year of Return in 2019, which coincided with the 400th anniversary of the first slave ship arriving in the United States. Although the pandemic prevented him from visiting Ghana at the time, he later discovered his African ancestry and has been eager to connect with his roots.

"For many of us who have been curious, Beyond the Return is not only the logical next step, but it's actually what so many of us have been praying for – to not just come to Africa to visit, but to come home," Mayor Kobi said.

"I would really highlight a lot of the programs that you have at your universities," Mayor Kobe suggested.

 Akwasi Agyeman CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority 

Akwasi Agyeman CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority expressed his delight at the successes achieved in the sector, citing the diaspora pathways, visa system, investment drive, and tourism arrivals as key areas of progress.

"I'm very happy that I've been successful," said the authority's representative. "We've made significant strides in driving investment to the country, and our tourism numbers are looking promising" he stated 

Also speaking he added that  reflecting on tourism accomplishments, it is also looking to the future, with plans to develop a five-year strategic plan that builds on the foundation laid over the past five years.

"We're going to enhance our strategy, taking a five-year look back and a five-year strategic plan forward," the representative explained. "We believe that tourism is a low-hanging fruit for us as a country, and we have all it takes to succeed."he said

Furthermore Mr. Agyeman noted that as the authority looks to the future, it is also taking a moment to express its gratitude to the media for their support and interest in tourism and the Beyond the Return project.

"I wish everybody well, and I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, full of grace, full of blessings for everybody," he said 

"Thank you to the media for all the support. We appreciate the interest that the media have taken in tourism and especially also the Beyond the Return project" he appluaded

Reported by Azaglo Michael.