Research releases, policy news and events
Stay updated with ATRN's latest research releases, policy dialogues, training opportunities and Pan-African conferences.
Ghana’s hotel prices are often perceived as high, but the real issue lies in the country’s costly business environment - land, utilities, taxes, financing and imports. While premium hotels in Accra are expensive, budget and mid‑range options nationwide remain competitive. The real challenge is cost, competitiveness and value for money.
Mr Emmanuel Frimpong, a tourism consultant has called for PANAFEST and Emancipation Day to be repositioned to strengthen their contribution to tourism, investment and cultural diplomacy.
Justice Albie Sachs, one of the world’s most influential jurists, reflects on his life as a freedom fighter, constitutional thinker, and advocate for human dignity. His story reveals how courage, forgiveness, and principled leadership helped shape modern South Africa.
Ghana’s 2025 Tourism Report shows resilience with rising arrivals, strong domestic tourism, and enterprise growth, but declining receipts and missing data on sustainability, regional trends, and competitiveness reveal structural gaps. The sector must shift from growth to real value creation.
AfricaNewsAnalysis met in Berlin, the capital of Federal Republic of Germany, with Mr Emmanuel Frimpong, President of the African Tourism Research Network (ATRN) from Ghana. Mr Frimpong spoke about his organization's activities in the development and promotion of tourism in Ghana.
African Union Day celebrates unity and progress. Tourism and hospitality can power Agenda 2063 by creating jobs, empowering women, preserving culture, and connecting Africans. With stronger collaboration, visa‑free travel, and digital innovation, Africa can build “The Africa We Want” through tourism.
Ghana’s new e‑Visa marks a major step in digital travel reform, improving speed, access and regional mobility. But the US$260 fee for non‑African visitors risks weakening Ghana’s tourism appeal and competitiveness. Aligning pricing with regional standards is key to unlocking full economic impact.
Ghana can leverage President Steinmeier’s state visit to boost tourism, attract German travellers, and unlock investment. With targeted marketing, improved services, and investor‑ready tourism assets, this diplomatic moment can drive real sector growth.
ATRN and GhanaTRVL have signed a strategic MoU to enhance tourism research and digital visibility in Ghana. The partnership combines ATRN’s academic expertise with GhanaTRVL’s digital outreach to strengthen Ghana’s profile as a sustainable, globally recognised travel destination.
Weak customer service in Ghana’s tourism sector hampers growth, deters repeat visits, and undermines competitiveness. Experts urge training, improved hospitality standards, and stronger service culture to boost visitor satisfaction and industry sustainability.
ATRN warns of a troubling decline in Ghana’s tourism due to weak leadership, poor domestic marketing, and missed opportunities. Stakeholders urge urgent reforms, strategic planning, and stronger promotion to revive the sector and protect jobs, culture, and Ghana’s global reputation.
On World Tourism Day, ATRN calls for Africa to embrace tourism as a tool for peace, prosperity, and sustainability. With rich cultures and natural beauty, Africa can lead globally—if it invests in research, community benefits, and climate-smart innovation. Tourism is more than travel; it’s a shared future.
This Tourism Stakeholders Mixer is a collaborative event designed to address key challenges in tourism and hospitality. By fostering dialogue on sustainability, tech innovation, workforce development, and post-pandemic recovery, the initiative aims to build a resilient, inclusive, and eco-conscious industry.
On Wednesday 7th May, we had the privilege of presenting a 34 paged stakeholder report to the Minister Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie) MP of Keta.