Tourism
From The Report: Cote d'Ivoire 2020
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High levels of economic growth beginning in 2012 and the government’s efforts to make Abidjan a destination for regional conferences have allowed business tourism to flourish, resulting in rapid development of the hospitality industry. As of mid-April 2020 the full extent of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Côte d’Ivoire’s tourism sector remained unclear; however, the crisis is expected to significantly affect tourism numbers on a global scale in 2020. Nonetheless, the government’s ambitious plans to develop the leisure segment demonstrate the clear political will to make the sector a key driver of the economy in the long term. To succeed, Côte d’Ivoire will continue to develop its infrastructure – especially in the interior of the country with roads and airports – and diversify its offerings in terms of beach destinations, as well as cultural and nature tourism. This chapter contains an interview with Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Multi-pronged approach: Alongside development of the solid business tourism segment, the authorities are working to boost leisure offerings
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With the return of peace and stability, Côte d’Ivoire’s tourism sector has expanded since 2011. High economic growth beginning in 2012 and the government’s efforts to make Abidjan a destination for regional conferences have allowed business tourism to flourish, resulting in rapid development of the hotel industry. However, leisure tourism continues to lag somewhat behind, mainly due to relatively poor infrastructure and a perceived lack of offerings. Although the spread of Covid-19…

Analysis

Meeting demand: Hotel operators continue to expand their presence in Abidjan and throughout secondary locations
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Supported by strong economic growth and the government’s ambition to make Côte d’Ivoire a regional centre for business and conference tourism, the hotel industry has expanded rapidly in the West African nation over the past few years. While this expansion bodes well for the industry in the long term, the first half of 2020 saw fewer visitor arrivals – and therefore lower numbers of occupied rooms – due to the spread of Covid-19 and the resulting worldwide travel restrictions. Abidjan…

Interview

Sublime development: Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism, on increasing the country’s attractiveness as a tourist destination
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Interview:Siandou Fofana In what ways will the Sublime Côte d’Ivoire strategy help strengthen the tourism sector? SIANDOU FOFANA: The strategy focuses on three priorities. First, the plan seeks to establish a significant territorial development outside of Abidjan. This development could unclog the metropolis of Abidjan and would allow the interior cities to benefit from the economic growth that the country will experience with the strengthening of the tourism sector. Second, the sector…