BY SIMON NDIVE KALLA
The Ambassador of Turkey to Cameroon, H.E Volkan Isikici says globally, the tourism sector provides 10% of the jobs while one tourist generates 60 jobs.
He made this revelation during the closing ceremony of the second edition of Cameroon International tourism fair.
The three-day event which ended on Saturday, November 5, 2022 was tagged, "Ecotourism and Sociocultural Development: Harnessing and Valorizing Potentials for Sustainable Future."
The ambassador added that promotion of tourism could solve unemployment. “Tourism is the game changer in job creation across the world. Globally the tourism sector provides 10% of the jobs while one tourist generates 60 jobs.
South West tourism stakeholders challenged to support gov’t’s drive for dev’t
The representative of the Minister of Tourism and Leisure, The Secretary General at the South West Governor’s Office, Acha Gilbert Nkwenti has challenged tourism stakeholders to collaborate with the government to develop the tourism industry.
He made this clarion call on Thursday November 3, 2022 during the official opening ceremony of the Second Edition of Cameroon International Tourism Fair taking place at the Limbe Botanic Garden in the seaside resort town of Limbe.
The three-day event which will run till Saturday November 5, 2022 is tagged, "Ecotourism and Sociocultural Development: Harnessing and Valorizing Potentials for Sustainable Future."
“I am leaving here very satisfied with the exhibition that South West has offered through the window of Cameroon International Tourism Trade Fair. We all know where we have come from, so it’s indeed a source of joy for us to see the entire population of South West Region exhibiting to the whole world.” Acha Gilbert said.
He added that Cameroon is not only Africa in miniature, but the South West Region is Cameroon in miniature.
Nkwenti opined that the event is a platform geared to assist stakeholders, enable them promote and enhance the Cameroonian culture, mind, feeling, aspirations and natural endowment such that Cameroon should be seen from all angles.
Welcoming the representative of the Minister of Tourism and Leisure, the Limbe City Mayor, Paul Efome L.M Ngale applauded the organizers for the lovable initiative, and the population of Limbe Municipality for their friendship nature.
He encouraged the population to support their own, while using the opportunity to call on tourism sector private actors to emulate the example of Flora Travel and Tours to partner with Limbe City Council to drive the development of the Limbe Municipality forward especially in the structural touristic transformation.
In his keynote address, HRM Nfon Mukete IV Ekoko, Nfon of the Kumba and Paramount Chief of the Bafaw people, said the event showcased what Cameroon has to offer in the sector to generate revenue and create employment.
He affirmed government's activeness to ensure the development of tourism sector and encouraged actors to valorize Cameroon’s potentials.
“The Tourism industry is a major employer in African continent supporting millIons of job directly and indirectly, despite the few challenges affecting the growth and expansion of the sector”, HRM Nfon Mukete said.
He added that the Tourism Fair will encourage more tourists in Cameroon and more investors for the socio-economic growth of the country.
On her part, the vision bearer and CEO of Flora Travel and Tours Agatha Iyok said; "It’s interesting to note that some of our unemployment issues can find solutions in the tourism industry if we understand the value tourism has to offer and harness the strength of its various sectors.”
She opined that many will be inspired this weekend to explore Cameroon’s rich tourism sites and will invite others. Mrs. Iyok revealed that the event will be an annual event together with her partners.
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