馃嚞馃嚘GabonCentral Africa
Gabon launches national strategy for sustainable tourism and artisan sector development
via Gabon Review3 min read
Gabon officially launched its National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Artisan Sector Development on June 28 in Libreville. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Sustainable Tourism and Handicrafts and overseen by Minister Marcelle Ibinga-Itsitsa, aims to transform these sectors into key drivers of economic diversification, job creation, and national heritage promotion. Vice President Alexandre Barro Chambrier, representing the Head of State, presided over the presentation, emphasizing the country's ambition to position tourism and handicrafts as pillars of national development and economic sovereignty. The strategy seeks to leverage Gabon's natural and cultural assets, including its forests, national parks, biodiversity, and cultural traditions, to create opportunities for its people. The government aims to build a responsible tourism model that protects nature, respects cultures, supports local communities, and showcases Gabonese authenticity. The strategy, developed through a participatory approach, focuses on three main areas: modernizing and developing the tourism economy, developing the artisan economy, and constructing and rehabilitating tourism and artisan infrastructure. It also addresses institutional, organizational, and infrastructural challenges through programs for improved governance, capacity building, promotion of ecotourism, cultural and business tourism, and professionalization of the artisan sector. The goal is to better structure industries, facilit
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