Are We Welcome? Understanding Tourists' Acceptance in Ghana

by

Juliet O. Yeboah

In the context of tourism, acceptance is the cornerstone upon which tourists and hosts interact. It signals reception and intent between tourists and hosts and therefore lays the foundation for successful interaction or otherwise. This study examined international tourists’ feelings of acceptance during their interactions with host communities in Ghana. Anchored on the Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection (IPAR) Theory, the study adopted a sequential explanatory mixed method approach, applying both survey questionnaires and interview guides to collect primary data from 521 respondents and 15 key informants. The quantitative data was used to unearth the dominant forms of acceptance and then based on that finding, a qualitative instrument was designed for the explanatory component. Findings revealed that international tourists to Ghana generally felt accepted by their hosts. This acceptance was found to be shaped by cultural distance, difference in values and race. It is recommended that organizations such as the Ghana Tourism Authority and other tourism agencies provide more information on the Ghanaian culture with a focus on cultural identity and ethnic practices of Ghanaians. This will help educate international tourists of possible outcomes of host-guest interaction to reduce negative feelings of acceptance.