Ghana has a major opportunity to become one of Africa's leading destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), global business travel spending reached US$1.47 trillion in 2024 and could exceed US$2 trillion by 2028. The growth outlook for business travel is equally promising, with international business visits projected to increase by approximately 50 per cent between 2024 and 2030.
MICE tourism is a major driver of the global travel economy and Ghana is already benefiting from this trend. The Ghana Tourism Authority's 2025 Tourism Report recorded 1,306,962 international arrivals, with business travel accounting for 31 per cent. The entertainment and conference segment also recorded 14.3 per cent growth. These figures confirm that business travel is an important pillar of Ghana's tourism industry.
Recent gatherings, including the Global Assemblies of God Conference and the 2026 Call to the Ghana Bar ceremony at the IGCC Auditorium, demonstrate Ghana's capacity to host major events. However, hosting conferences is not enough; Ghana must actively bid for and attract international conventions, exhibitions and corporate gatherings. A fully operational Ghana Convention Bureau is essential to identify international events, prepare competitive bids and coordinate hotels and venues.
The economic value of MICE extends well beyond conference venues. According to GBTA, a business traveller spends an average of approximately US$834 per trip, supporting airlines, hotels, restaurants, transport operators, event companies, retailers and other local businesses. Ghana can further maximise this opportunity through bleisure tourism, encouraging business visitors to extend their stays to explore the country's heritage, culture and natural attractions.
Ghana has several competitive advantages, including political stability, democratic credentials, international air connectivity, renowned hospitality, rich cultural heritage, strong diaspora connections and the presence of the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra. The Ghana Tourism Authority has also established a foundation for MICE development through its professional membership of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
To realise its MICE ambitions, Ghana needs to invest in convention infrastructure, strengthen institutional coordination and aggressively market itself internationally. A world-class convention facility with a minimum capacity of 20,000 participants is necessary, rather than a proposed 3,000-capacity facility. The redevelopment of the Accra International Trade Fair Centre into a modern destination for international conventions and exhibitions is also crucial.
With business travel already accounting for 31 per cent of international arrivals and the conference and entertainment segment recording 14.3 per cent growth, the opportunity for Ghana to establish itself as a leading MICE destination in Africa is clear. The time to act is now, and Ghana must move from hosting conferences to bidding for them and from waiting for international events to attracting them.
Key points
- Ghana has the potential to become a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions tourism in Africa.
- The country needs to invest in convention infrastructure, strengthen institutional coordination and aggressively market itself internationally.
- A fully operational Ghana Convention Bureau is essential to drive MICE development.
