West Africa moves up rankings

West Africa’s plans to move up the world tourism rankings are taking root, both at regional and country-levels.

Nigeria’s Delta State is aiming for one million visitors a year by 2014 on completion of a water theme park. According to Richard Mofe Damijo, state commissioner for tourism, it is the first of its kind in West Africa and will help propel the country’s tourism sector to a different level. “Currently, tourist arrivals have been low because most people are wary of the fragile nature of the area. The federal government is working together with the state authorities to improve peace and security in the Delta region. It is because we are confident about the return of peace that we are investing in these facilities”, he said in an interview.
 
Across the region, visitor numbers have also been boosted by recent political unrest which has made North Africa a less attractive destination.

Multilateral agencies pledged assistance to the West Africa Park Project at a donor conference organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO) in Dakar, Senegal in June 2011. The participating countries are: Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Sierra Leone. They are drawing up plans to share a network of parks and protected areas, ensure their conservation and jointly promote the region as a tourism destination.

A development tool

UNTWO Secretary General, Taleb Rifai, told delegates at the meeting that, “today, major international organisations have pinpointed tourism as one of the most effective tools for Africa’s economic growth and development.” [Ed: see interview with Taleb Rifai in this section]. He added: “With their support, sustainable tourism can flourish, generating jobs and income for local communities, while protecting the region’s rich biodiversity”.
 
Ghana is aiming to climb up the world tourism ranking. It is currently the 105th most preferred tourist destination in the world and 10th in Africa. “We want to do all that is possible to improve the ranking in order to make the sector generate enough revenue for the country”, said Tourism Minister, Akua Dansua.
 
“Last year there were 931,224 tourists in the country. The figure was an increase over the previous year’s 802,779”, said Frank Kofigah, Director of Operations at the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB).

The country is investing in improvements to its forts and castles along the country’s coast that particularly attract visitors from North America who are the descendants of slaves. Ghana’s many sporting successes have endeared it to many around the globe whilst the achievements of personalities like former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, have brought media attention to the country. Alongside historical sites, Kofigah said Ghana has also developed several eco-tourism centres around the country. He feels that the many festivals which take place year round up and down the country, showcasing its cultural heritage, could be used to attract more visitors.

Francis Kokutse