Jean-Marie Somet (Côte d'Ivoire Tourism): "Tourism is back on the growth track".

2017 was an excellent year for tourism in Côte d'Ivoire, according to Jean-Marie Somet, Managing Director of Côte d'Ivoire Tourisme. " We welcomed around 1.7 million tourists last year" he stresses. Tourism is supported in particular by regional flows of business travellers. " The economic climate is conducive to businessThe government's ambition is to stimulate investment in infrastructure and the services sector." says Jean-Marie Somet.

Over a decade, international tourism has grown from 205,000 arrivals in 2008 to 471,000 in 2014, reaching 1.58 million visitors in 2016. The majority of tourists come from neighbouring countries such as Benin, Burkina-Faso and Nigeria. " These are countries where strong growth with the emergence of a middle class" says Jean-Marie Somet.

The government is now targeting European tourism, which for a long time has been the lifeblood of the country's travel industry. " Just six hours from Paris or Brussels, tourists can discover authentic African culture. When I say culture, I should say 60 different ways to enjoy cultures because of our different ethnicities and customs. And of course, our wild landscapes and wildlife are a major asset." added the Director of Côte d'Ivoire Tourisme.

With the return of political stability and economic growth since 2012, Côte d'Ivoire is once again, above all, a country with a strong economy. a popular destination for business tourism. According to the Managing Director of Côte d'Ivoire Tourisme, this represents 60% of all international arrivals.

This return of confidence in the country is reflected in the organisation of major international events. " Last year, tourism was boosted by the arrival of the Games of La Francophonie and the fifth African Union-European Union summit. A major event for the entire African continent will be hosting the African Cup of Nations of football in 2021 " explains Jean-Marie Somet. " The African Cup of Nations will help to further strengthen our infrastructure by creating new roads, stadiums and hotels." he adds.

Abidjan remains the main attraction for business travellers. As the economic capital of the country, Abidjan has many four- and five-star hotels, a conference centre with capacity for 2,800 participants and an auditorium belonging to the Félix Houphouët Boigny Foundation with a capacity of 4,000 delegates.

Over the last few years, hotel projects have been launchedThe Marriott group has also announced the opening of three new hotels in Abidjan, "a major step forward in the development of the French market". The Marriott group has also announced the opening of three hotels in Abidjan, " a major investment, adding more than 500 rooms to our hotel portfolio "says Jean-Marie Somet. The Marriott Abidjan will open in 2021 with 200 rooms, the Sheraton in 2022 with 300 rooms and the Four Points by Sheraton Abidjan, which will open the same year, is in fact a refurbishment of an existing establishment. The latter two will be part of a new complex comprising a shopping centre, offices and a conference centre.

In air transport, new lines have been inaugurated to Lisbon with TAP Portugal or to New York with Ethiopian Airlines. " We have just signed an agreement with Spain for direct routes, which should soon become a reality. "says Jean-Marie Somet.

Côte d'Ivoire Tourisme's ambition is now to turn all these business travellers into leisure tourists. " We want to convince business travellers to extend their stay beyond Abidjan. Less than an hour south of Abidjan, the Grande Lagune is perfect for seaside breaks as well as cultural and historical tourism. "says Jean Marie Somet.