Cameroon multiplies strategies to boost tourism

The Cameroon Ministry for Tourism and Recreation has launched two tenders restricted to the development of safety standards and a strategy for the security of tourists in the country.

The first call for expressions of interest regarding the implementation of safety measures by establishing categories of tourism and recreation was the presentation of such measures. Thus, the production and distribution of advertising spots and documentaries in two high-impact media for their extension and the organization of awareness campaigns were done in two northern regions.

The second will be to draw up an inventory of the current security situation in the area, to diagnose thereto, to make strategic choices for the safety of visitors and a priority action plan and an implementation and monitoring mechanism / evaluation.

In mid-December 2014, Cameroon announced the establishment of a new strategy to promote the destination of the country, threatened around its borders, to 'reassure tourists' from said threats.

The reassurance of tourists will be done by active presence of Cameroon on key source markets, proactive communication on the Internet and social networks as well as greater promotion of innovative tourism products adapted, like cultural tourism, seaside and ecotourism, in the unexposed regions.

According to statistics, 912,000 international tourists were registered in Cameroon in 2013 against 812,000 a year earlier with an increase of 10% in relative value.

The sector has also contributed CFAF 181.4 billion to the state budget during the reporting period against 142 983 000 000 FCFA in 2012.