Travel and Tourism in Côte d’Ivoire
Political crisis blocked recovery in the tourism industry
The crisis that shook the country at the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 changed the decisions of many tourists about Côte d’Ivoire as the destination for a vacation. Many business meetings were also rearranged to be held in other countries. Despite the current government’s efforts to improve the image of the country and promote tourism, confidence has been lost and many tour operators have switched to other countries.
Air travel to see growth
The demand for air transport is very high and there are not enough companies serving the airports of the country. The government announced the launch of a new air company in a partnership with the group Air France KLM at the beginning of 2012. Since the collapse of Air Ivoire in March 2011, Côte d’Ivoire has been without a flag-carrying airline. The new carrier, Air Côte d’Ivoire, was due to commence services in July 2012, operating two Airbus A319 aircraft. Routes will link Côte d’Ivoire with neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso. It is then planned to introduce a domestic flight network in Côte d’Ivoire, commencing in 2013.
Participation in international tourism-and-trade fairs boosts arrivals
Ethiopia continued to record positive growth in tourist arrivals over the review period. The country achieved larger tourist numbers in 2012 than in 2011 thanks to increased participation in international travel and tourism exhibitions. Showcasing the nation’s tourism products globally has enabled Ethiopia to promote its natural, cultural and historical attractions to the rest of the world. This has helped the country to attract more international tourists and also generated more travel and tourism revenue. Some of the notable international tourism and trade fairs Ethiopia has participated in recent years include the ITB, Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin, the World Travel Market in London, the Moscow International Tourism Fair and the Shanghai 2010 Expo.
Government embarks on measures to preserve tourist sites
Ethiopia has rich tourism assets. With its diverse tourist attractions, which include cultural, historical and archaeological attractions, as well as a great variety of flora and fauna, the government of Ethiopia has initiated a number of measures to preserve and develop tourist sites throughout the country. Tourist infrastructures in various national parks have been upgraded, while renovation work on roads linking the parks with major roads and lodges is being carried out. Other measures include the protection of animals from illegal hunting in sanctuaries and parks, as well as the conservation of heritage sites, nine of which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Through these activities, Ethiopia has seen an increase in the number of tourists visiting its many attractions.