06 May 2025
In recent years, culinary tourism has emerged as a fascinating way for travelers to experience a destination's culture and heritage. Instead of just visiting landmarks, tourists are now focusing on exploring the flavors of a region through its food. Ghana, a vibrant and culturally rich country in West Africa, has become a major player in this tourism trend. Known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, Ghana offers a culinary journey that attracts food lovers from around the globe.
But did you know that remittances from Cyprus are playing a crucial role in enhancing the food tourism sector in Ghana? Many Ghanaians living in Cyprus are sending money back home, and these remittances significantly support local food businesses and cultural experiences that benefit tourists and locals alike.
In this article, we'll explore how remittances from the Cypriot diaspora directly contribute to Ghana’s growing food tourism industry.
Culinary tourism refers to traveling specifically to experience and explore a destination's food culture. For many travelers, food is an integral part of their journey, as it allows them to connect with local traditions, flavors, and lifestyles.
Ghana is rapidly becoming a hotspot for culinary tourism in Africa. The country’s food culture is deeply rooted in its traditions and history, offering a range of flavors that highlight the diversity of its people. Some of the most iconic dishes include:
For tourists visiting Ghana, these dishes represent more than just food – they are an experience. Exploring the local food scene offers travelers a taste of the country's culture, history, and the warm hospitality of the people.
Many Ghanaians have migrated to Cyprus in search of better economic opportunities. With this large diaspora community, remittances back to Ghana have become a crucial source of income for many families. In fact, Cyprus-Ghana remittances play a vital role in the country’s economy, supporting various sectors including education, health, and business development.
One of the most significant areas where remittances from Cyprus are having an impact is in the food and hospitality sector. Many of these funds are used to support food entrepreneurs and local businesses, allowing them to improve existing restaurants, open new eateries, and offer unique dining experiences to tourists. Here’s how:
Diaspora members often invest in new food ventures, introducing innovative culinary concepts or modernizing traditional restaurants to cater to international tourists.
Remittances help improve the infrastructure of local food markets, ensuring they are better equipped to handle the growing demand from both locals and visitors.
Remittances contribute to funding food tours and food festivals, which attract culinary tourists and provide opportunities for local chefs and food vendors to showcase their skills.
These contributions are making Ghana a more attractive destination for food lovers, giving tourists the chance to explore authentic local food experiences that are made possible by the financial support from the Cypriot diaspora.
The increased remittance flow from Cyprus has directly contributed to the rise of food tourism in Ghana. Tourists are now more likely to seek out food experiences, including street food tours, local cooking classes, and tasting menus at popular Ghanaian restaurants.
Here are a few ways remittances support food tourism:
Remittances help fund annual food festivals, such as the Ghana Food Festival, which showcases traditional dishes and attracts thousands of visitors.
With better funding, local food markets are becoming more organized and accessible to tourists. Visitors can enjoy fresh local produce, traditional snacks, and artisan products.
The money sent from Cyprus allows restaurants and food vendors to offer tourists authentic Ghanaian dishes made with the freshest local ingredients, enriching their cultural experience.
The increase in food-based tourism has not only benefited tourists but has also helped locals engage with visitors and share their culture through food, creating a rich, immersive experience.
As the culinary tourism industry expands, local jobs in the food and hospitality sector are created. From food vendors and chefs to restaurant managers and food tour guides, the industry is offering employment opportunities to many Ghanaians, particularly in the tourism hotspots.
Culinary tourism fosters cultural exchange. Tourists who engage with the local food scene are introduced to new culinary techniques, flavors, and traditions, while locals get the chance to share their culinary heritage with the world. This exchange enriches both parties and helps preserve Ghana’s cultural identity.
Culinary tourism serves as a catalyst for economic growth, particularly in rural areas. Food businesses are helping to generate income, create jobs, and attract tourists, contributing to the overall prosperity of the nation. As the demand for food-related experiences grows, remittances are playing a crucial role in sustaining and expanding this sector.
Remittances from Cyprus help small-scale food vendors maintain their operations and improve their offerings. Many local food vendors rely on the financial support sent by relatives abroad to invest in quality ingredients, marketing, and customer service.
Over time, remittances have contributed to the sustainability of culinary tourism in Ghana. By supporting local food entrepreneurs, improving infrastructure, and providing resources for training, the industry can continue to thrive long into the future.
Despite the positive impact of remittances, there are still some challenges faced by the culinary tourism sector in Ghana:
Many rural areas still lack proper infrastructure, which can hinder the development of food tourism in these regions.
Running food businesses in Ghana can be expensive, especially with the rising cost of quality ingredients, staff wages, and rent.
With the continued support of remittances, Cypriot Ghanaians can help drive growth and overcome these challenges. Opportunities for expanding food tourism include:
Remittances from Cypriot Ghanaians are playing an essential role in supporting the growth of culinary tourism in Ghana. Through these remittances, local food businesses are able to thrive, attracting more tourists and contributing to the country’s economy. By making an online money transfer to Ghana from Cyprus, diaspora members are making a tangible difference in supporting Ghana's rich food culture, benefiting both locals and visitors.
As a member of the Cypriot diaspora, your contributions can help expand these efforts even further. Support Ghana’s culinary tourism by sending money home, whether through money transfer from Cyprus to Ghana or using ACE Money Transfer, which offers fast, secure, and cost-effective ways to send money home. The platform is rated 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot with over 129,000 reviews — a testament to their commitment to excellent service. By investing in Ghana's culinary future, you are helping preserve the country's heritage and create more meaningful experiences for tourists.
Remittances from Cyprus help fund the expansion of food businesses, improve food quality, and enable local entrepreneurs to invest in unique culinary experiences that attract tourists.
Tourists enjoy traditional Ghanaian dishes such as Jollof rice, fufu, banku, grilled tilapia, and street food like kebabs and chinchinga.
Culinary tourism generates income through food tours, restaurant bookings, food festivals, and local food markets, which boosts employment and supports small businesses.
Challenges include limited infrastructure, the need for better food safety standards, and high operational costs for food entrepreneurs.
The Cypriot diaspora can continue to support Ghana’s culinary tourism through remittances, investing in food-related ventures, and promoting Ghana’s culinary scene internationally.
