Dimensions of Destination Attractiveness in Cape Coast

Abstract

Destination attractiveness has received much attention in tourism literature and has been identified as crucial in terms of visitors’ perceived value. The aim of this paper was to assess the attributes that make Cape Coast an attractive destination. Focusing on the supply side perspective, the push and pull theory serves as the basis for the study. The study employed a cross-sectional survey and sampled 294 tourists with the help of a questionnaire using a convenience-sampling technique. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, in which means scores and standard deviations were used to measure the dimensions of destination attractiveness. The results showed that natural, cultural and man-made resources and amenities were the major attributes that make Cape Coast an attractive destination. It is recommended that natural resources and cultural heritage should be well preserved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) together with Ghana Tourism Authority to ensure its sustainability. It is therefore of utmost importance that Ghana Tourism Authority will ensure that the attractions are constantly improved and expanded in accordance with the new trends and developments of tourism in the marketplace.