The Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Pascal Ogowe Siffon during his press conference on September 18 at the tourist site of Cap Caravane in Akanda (north of Libreville) © Gabonactu.com
With an unexpectedly large number of 3,748 tourists taking part in the 1era edition of the Gabon tourist caravan which took place from July 15 to August 30, 2024 across four tourist regions of the country, the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Pascal Ogowe Siffon, expressed his satisfaction in a press conference this Wednesday, September 18.
“When we launched the tourist caravan, we hoped for 300 tourists, that was enough for us to think that we could encourage the Gabonese to practice tourism. Beyond our expectations, we received 1,156 tourists. For a first tourist caravan in Gabon, I want to say it’s a success. And everyone agrees that it’s a good result.”rejoiced Mr. Ogowe Siffon, adding that 2,592 visitors were added to the caravaners to give an unexpected figure of 3,748 tourists.
The head of tourism in Gabon believes that this initiative was an “exceptional human, cultural and heritage adventure” for the country. It allowed the caravaners to travel and discover 24 localities and emblematic and historical tourist sites scattered across four provinces of the country. These include the Blue Lake of Mouila and the village of Tsamba-Magotsi (province of Ngounié), Gamba and the province of Haut Ogooué (Lake Souba, in Lekoni, Chute de Poubarra, Chute de Lekabi, Mont Boudinga, etc.).
Based on this positive assessment, the Ministry of Tourism has decided to definitively promote two viable tourist sites (Lac Bleu and the village of Tsamba Magotsi), following the firm instructions of the President of the Transition, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. These sites will benefit in the coming weeks and months from bituminous concrete roads to allow the mobility of tourist potentials in all seasons.
For Pascal Ogowe Siffon, “I think it is a satisfaction for us because we are in front of a Head of State who follows us, he told me that even internationally, we spoke to him about the dynamism of tourism in Gabon today.”
During his exchange with the press, the member of the Transitional government announced the organization from December 15, 2024 to February 2025, of another caravan that will leave from Libreville to Port-Gentil. This will allow tourists to discover on the Gabonese coasts, the beauty of hippos and other marine animals that often appear at this time.
Sydney IVEMBI
2024-09-18 16:42:30
#satisfaction #government #perspectives
– What were the highlights of Gabon’s inaugural tourist caravan?
Gabon’s Tourism Sector Booms: Minister Hails Success of Inaugural Tourist Caravan
Gabon’s tourism industry has received a significant boost following the successful completion of the country’s first-ever tourist caravan, which attracted an unprecedented 3,748 tourists. The Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Pascal Ogowe Siffon, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome during a press conference on September 18 at the tourist site of Cap Caravane in Akanda, north of Libreville.
The inaugural tourist caravan, which took place from July 15 to August 30, 2024, aimed to promote Gabon’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to both local and international tourists. The event exceeded expectations, with 1,156 tourists participating in the caravan, supplemented by 2,592 visitors, resulting in a total of 3,748 tourists.
An “Exceptional Human, Cultural, and Heritage Adventure”
The Minister of Tourism described the initiative as an “exceptional human, cultural, and heritage adventure” for Gabon, which allowed participants to explore 24 localities and iconic tourist sites across four provinces. The caravaners had the opportunity to discover the country’s hidden gems, including the Blue Lake of Mouila and the village of Tsamba-Magotsi in the province of Ngounié, as well as Gamba and the province of Haut Ogooué, featuring attractions like Lake Souba, Lekoni, Chute de Poubarra, Chute de Lekabi, and Mont Boudinga.
Boosting Infrastructure Development
Building on the success of the tourist caravan, the Ministry of Tourism has decided to prioritize the promotion of two viable tourist sites: Lac Bleu and the village of Tsamba Magotsi. Following instructions from the President of the Transition, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, these sites will benefit from bituminous concrete roads to facilitate tourist mobility throughout the year.
Government Support for Tourism Development
Minister Ogowe Siffon expressed his gratitude to the President of the Transition for his unwavering support for the tourism sector, stating, “I think it is a satisfaction for us because we are in front of a Head of State who follows us, he told me that even internationally, we spoke to him about the dynamism of tourism in Gabon today.”
Future Tourism Initiatives
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Tourism has announced plans to organize another caravan from December 15, 2024, to February 2025, which will depart from Libreville to Port-Gentil. This event will provide tourists with the opportunity to experience the beauty of Gabon’s coastline, including the presence of hippos and other marine animals that are commonly seen during this period.
The success of Gabon’s inaugural tourist caravan has set the stage for the country’s tourism sector to continue growing and contributing to the nation’s economic development. As the Ministry of Tourism pushes forward with its initiatives, Gabon is poised to become a premier tourist destination in Central Africa.
Keyword Tags: Gabon Tourism, Tourist Caravan, Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts, Pascal Ogowe Siffon, President of the Transition, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Lac Bleu, Village of Tsamba-Magotsi, Tourism Development, Infrastructure Development, Central Africa.
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