The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) 2023 Ghana Outbound Visitors' report has shown that travellers who made return journeys to the country spent a total of GH₵60 million in 2023.

According to the service, same-day outbound travellers spent an estimated GH₵59.8 million in 2023. The report defines same-day travellers as people who travelled and returned to the country on the same day without spending the night.

It revealed that business and professional trips, which accounted for 34%, was the most cited purpose. This was followed by funerals, accounting for 23% of the purpose of travel.

Others were; visits to friends and family, leisure and recreation, as well as shopping, in that order.

A total of 77,501 outbound same-day visitors was recorded in 2023.

Men dominated with 40,506 travels, while visits by women was recorded at 36,995.

On regional bases, Ashanti region recorded the highest number of outbound same-day visitors across all quarters. Trips from the Ashanti Region was estimated to be within 3,000 to 5,000.

Speaking at a news conference for the maiden edition of the report, Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu explained that the regional breakdown "depicts the diverse nature of the Ashanti region".

Togo recorded the highest expenditure per the number of travelers, as well as the country with the highest destinations.

"This signifies the country's social and economic relations with Togo," the report pointed out.

The government statistician continued that "short cross boarder travel is not only about trade but maintaining family and social connections," emphasising trade and social outcomes in the report.

The report revealed that 95% of the total spending occurred during the trip, while majority of the trips happened in the first quarter of the year in review.

Busses and mini-vans, as well bicycles, were the most used means of transport.

"Almost all same day trips were by road. Reflecting how central our land boarders are," Dr Iddrisu said.

Also, 94.4% were self-arranged, whereas the rest were done through a travel package via groups or travel and tour agencies.

Dr Iddrisu further called for tax breaks for travel and tour agencies using local services and products.

He also urged hospitality operators, tour and vehicle rental operators, as well as airlines, to collaborate and design comprehensive travel packages to enhance local tourism and boost travel, pre and post-trip experiences.