We
interview Hon. Baba Hamadou, Minister of
Tourism, Cameroon
Africa Travel Magazine: Mister
Minister, what are your immediate and long range
goals for tourism in Cameroon?
In the area of tourism,
Cameroon is currently pursuing a double
objective: seeing that this sector participates
concretely and immediately in the implementation
of the Head of State's policy programme for his
current seven &endash; year term of office, so
as to meet the common goal of social well being.
This is why my Ministry is working to
significantly increase the number of
international tourists visiting Cameroon. The
figure is today estimated at about half a
million. The immediate objective agrees with the
medium- range target of endowing the sector with
a sound tourism policy that will be made
possible in the coming months through a Tourism
Development Master Plan. This will lead to a
more rational and optimal development and
exploitation of our potential.
The upcoming creation
of a National Tourism Board; developments now
taking place in some tourist sites, notably
within the framework of the STEP (Sustainable
Tourism for Eliminating Poverty) Program; the
imminent launching of major construction works
for the investment of giant tourist complexes in
Malimba-Yoyo in the Littoral and in Lobé
near Kribi in the South are ample proof of a
brighter future for Cameroon's tourism industry.
As far as cooperation is concerned, we are going
to continue with the signing of cooperation
agreements in the area of tourism, notably with
China.
What
sets Cameroon apart from other destinations in
Western and Central Africa? What is your
competitive edge?
The main characteristic
of Cameroon's tourist products is their
diversity. In fact, thanks to its central
position on the African continent, Cameroon's
tourism is characterized by a large variety of
products. Cameroon's tourism potential is
endowed with a large range of resources stemming
from its landscape, and climate which give rise
to flora and fauna resources among the richest
in Africa.
Moreover, this country
harbours almost the totality of what nature has
unevenly given to other African countries. Here
live more than 250 ethnic groups, with
exceptionally rich and varied cultures and
folklores. It is worth noting that in a region
like ours which is plagued with all sorts of
crises; social peace that reigns in our country
is very conducive for profitable tourism
investments.
How
highly do you rate your membership in the Africa
Travel Association and its events in Africa and
the USA?
There are potential
market segments in the USA that can be exploited
for the development of our tourism - for
example, lovers of nature, of less disturbed
environment, and of genuine cultures and
traditions. But, the most visible segment is of
human and historic interest.
It is worth recalling
that according to historians, about 30% of black
slave population that was taken from the West
Coast of Africa originated from the region that
stretches from Cameroon to the Niger Delta.
Probability is therefore high that an important
segment of African Americans hailed from
Cameroonian families, as is the case with Nate
Parker, who, according to recent information,
will visit Cameroon where his roots are said to
be found in the Tikar region.
This accounts for:
Cameroon's adhesion to ATA in 1986; the
organization of two annual congresses (1987 and
2004) and of one symposium on ecotourism in 2001
in Cameroon; the creation of an ATA Chapter; the
creation of a National Scientific Committee on
Cultural Tourism Project "The Slave Route" and
more recently the representation of Cameroon
Head of State H.E. Paul BIYA at the 4 th Forum
of African Heads of State on Tourism organized
By ATA last September in New York alongside the
General assembly of the United
Nations.
