Tourism
From The Report: Gabon 2015
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The industry’s potential has garnered attention from the government and private operators, with the state aiming to boost visitor numbers to 100,000 per year by 2020. The majority of visitors come for business, but luxury tourism projects are in the works to diversify the offer. Ecotourism and luxury are two promising segments that could help boost the sector’s contribution to GDP.

This chapter includes an interview with Lee White, Managing Director, National Agency for National Parks (Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux, ANPN).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Opening doors to investment: Restructuring and expansion are expected to boost visitor arrival numbers
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Developing the tourism sector in Gabon has become a growing priority for authorities as they aim to diversify the country’s economy. Investments have primarily targeted upgrading infrastructure and developing high-end ecotourism under the country’s Green Gabon strategy for sustainable development. As the state partners with the private sector to develop products that capitalise on the country’s natural attributes, the sector is poised for expansion and a rising contribution to GDP. Visitor…

Analysis

The eco alternative: Promoting private investment in natural attractions
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In recent years, government investment in the tourism sector has been primarily aimed at upgrading infrastructure and developing high-end tourism. Though visitors to Gabon remain primarily business-oriented, the industry shows considerable potential for growth, with notable opportunities for ecotourism. According to official figures, as much as 20% of international travel to Gabon is dedicated to visits focused on nature. Encouraging the development of ecotourism as an economic alternative to exploiting…

Analysis

Luxury bed count: Increasing accommodation options alongside the broader expansion of the sector
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Steady growth in tourism is expected to continue in Gabon, with considerable potential for the hospitality sector. The government aims to increase the number of hotel rooms by 23%, from 5300 in 2013 to 8300 by 2025. Over 90% of rooms are currently located in cities. Though national parks account for only around 6% of Gabon’s hotel rooms, this is set to change, according to the National Agency of National Parks. Increasing Capacity Most growth in hotel capacity is in the capital, Libreville, and…

Interview

OBG talks to Lee White, Managing Director, National Agency for National Parks (Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux, ANPN): Interview
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Interview: Lee White How do you see the tourism sector evolving? LEE WHITE: There are three primary tourism sectors here in Gabon. When you look at the tourism statistics, most of the visitors coming to the country are business tourists. They are visiting Gabon in a professional capacity and it is a rule that business tourists do not travel much around the country, instead sticking to Libreville and Port-Gentil. The second market we are looking at is event tourism, particularly in light of the…