Kinshasa, September 12, 2024 – Discussions on the future of tourism in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) concluded this Thursday with the closure of the National Tourism Policy (NTP) Validation Forum. The event, which took place from September 10 to 12, brought together various stakeholders and industry experts to discuss the mechanisms for implementing and validating the new policy.
The Forum was inaugurated on September 10 with the primary goal of bringing together stakeholders from the tourism value chain. The initiative aimed to enrich and validate the NTP in accordance with legislative requirements while highlighting the country’s tourism potential. During the closing session, the Minister of Tourism, Didier M’pambia Musanga, presented the main recommendations derived from the discussions. The Minister emphasized that the Forum had enabled the formulation of crucial proposals, notably through plenary sessions and panels. According to him, these recommendations aim to use tourism as a lever to enhance the image of the DRC both nationally and internationally.
Lihau stated that the Government, with the support of multilateral partners, aims to position the DRC among the top tourist destinations in Africa by 2030. This statement underscores the country’s commitment to transforming the tourism sector into a driver of economic and social development.
The National Tourism Policy Validation Forum marked a significant milestone in the reorientation of tourism in the DRC. By showcasing the country’s biodiversity and cultural wealth and proposing initiatives such as tourist villages, the DRC is preparing to revitalize its tourism sector. The Government’s and various stakeholders’ commitment to working together to make the DRC a preferred destination represents a promising step towards a new era for Congolese tourism. The Forum concluded with the adoption of a final document, approved by the participants, which will serve as a roadmap for the next steps in this ambitious transformation.
By Kilalopress
