Cameroon 'reassures tourists' over security threats

The Cameroonian Government announced the implementation of a new strategy for the promotion of tourism in the country, in the context of threats identified some at the borders.

The announcement was made over the week at the conclusion of the 11th session of the national tourism Council (CNT) presided over in Yaounde by the Prime Minister Philemon Yang.

The said trategy will be to reassure tourists by an active presence of Cameroon on the main markets, a proactive communication on the Internet and social networks as well as a greater development of innovative tourist products adapted to the new context, like cultural and seaside tourism and ecotourism, available in areas not exposed to safety risks.

For the Minister of State in charge of tourism and recreation, Bello Bouba Maigari, the country "remains a safe and secure destination able to compete with countries of same standing in terms of tourism development".

This assertion, contrasts with the realities on the ground, including the kidnapping in a year of some 20 foreigners claimed by the Islamist sect Boko Haram in northern regions of the country.

It occurs also at the time where several Western chancelleries have classified the country as a 'dangerous destination' for their nationals.

According to official statistics, 912.000 international tourists were recorded in Cameroon in 2013 against 812.000 a year earlier, an increase of 10% in relative value.

Similarly, the sector contributed to 181.4 billion CFA FRANCS to the budget of the State during the period under review, against 142,983 billion CFA FRANCS in 2012.