Karibu Zanzibar and Pemba Zanzibar Office: P.O Box 1410 Amaan Road, Near Amaan Stadium Tel: 255 (54) 233485/6 Fax: 255 (54) 233448/230966 www.zanzibartourism.net • e-mail-zanzibartourism@zanzibartourism.net Pemba Office: P.O. Box 250 Chake-Chake Tel.: 255 (54) 452124
An interview with H.E. Hassan Farah Mighuil, Djibouti’s Minister of Youth, Sports, Recreation & Tourism Excuse Me, But Did You Say, “Djibouti”… or “Dji-beauty”? Located on the Horn of Africa, the Republic of Djibouti is converting its strategic position, dramatic landscapes and natural resources into an emerging leisure and adventure travel destination. Bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, and known in ancient times as the land of myrrh and incense, Egypt’s Queen Hatshepsut called Djibouti “the land of the Gods.” Rela-tively small in size (8,800 sq.mi.; roughly the size of Massachusetts) and set at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and the Arabian Gulf, this East African country is poised for discovery as an enviably exotic — and easily accessible — getaway for your more adventurous clients. <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>News</strong> sat down recently at its New York City headquarters with H.E. Hassan Farah Mighuil, Minister of Youth, Sports, H.E. HASSAN FARAH MIGHUIL Recreation &Tourism, to talk with him about his country’s North American marketing plans. Minister Mighuil, a member of the visiting delegation from Djibouti during its December multicity tour of U.S. and Canada to promote Djibouti’s hosting of the recent Africa <strong>Travel</strong> Association’s 11th Ectourism Symposium, held in January in Djibouti City. The delegation also included Mr. Mohamed Abdillahi Wais, Director, Djibouti National Tourism Office; Mr. Said Omar Moussa, President, Djibouti International Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mr. Bugra Berberoglu, Director General, Djibouti Palace Kempinski Hotel) and Edward Bergman, ATA’s director, at Africa <strong>Travel</strong> Association (ATA). <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>News</strong>: Djibouti hasn’t been on most U.S. travel agents’ radar when suggesting Africa as a destination. Why is now the moment to become a viable “blip”? H.E. Hassan Farah Mighuil: First off, Djibouti is stable on all fronts, and our president, Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh, has made tourism development a priority. We’ve been concentrating on a more regional market — linking Africa, the Middle East and Asia — but now plan to promote our product worldwide. You see, in terms of hotels, accommodations, diving, we’re the only destination in East Africa offering such a highquality product. We’ve been working with European tour operators, and now are ready to approach North American agents and operators in order to open doors to our own unique product. MARY ELLEN SCHULTZ TWN: What sparked your interest in promoting Djibouti more aggressively in the U.S.? HFM: During Africa <strong>Travel</strong> Association’s congress in May [2007], I spoke with Eddie Bergman [ATA’s executive director] about having Djibouti host ATA’s next ecoutourism and cultural tourism symposium…as a good way to spotlight our country as a destination. In 2007, we received nearly 40,000 tourists, and want to double that within the next few years. We want to be the gateway to East Africa, and we felt the symposium could be the key to unlocking the door to the U.S. market — to showcase our economic stability and tourist attractions and leverage them into something even more hopeful — tourism as a major investment and employment opportunity. [Editor’s note: A symposium report will appear in our April issue.] TWN: What would you say is Djibouti’s primary attraction? HFM: Our high-quality tourism product. We’re a small CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Discover Africa in ������ with SITA Explore any of these African destinations with SITA’s specialized luxury tours, each featuring premium accommodations. <strong>AFRICA</strong> IN LUXURY Discover Africa’s beauty in luxury camps on this unique safari tour. KENYA IN LUXURY Luxury retreats offer exclusive personal service and game viewing SOUTH <strong>AFRICA</strong> IN LUXURY Experience this diverse world and enjoy a few days in a game reserve India • Australia & New Zealand Asia • Africa • South America European River Cruising SITA <strong>World</strong> <strong>Travel</strong>, Inc 16250 Ventura Blvd., Suite 300, Encino, CA 91436 E-mail sitatours@sitatours.com 800.421.5643 www.sitatours.com CST # 23003643-40 <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>News</strong> • www.travelworldnews.com <strong>AFRICA</strong> • FEBRUARY 2008 • 3
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