I REGION I AFRICA I
I REGION I AFRICA I ADVERTORIAL Congo Brazzaville, a unique experience in the heart of Africa Between land, sea and the tumultuous waters of the Congo River, the Republic of Congo (or Congo Brazzaville) is presenting ecotourism, community tourism and unique cultural experiences at ITB Berlin 2024. Africa shines at ITB Berlin with expanded showcases from coast to savannah At ITB Berlin this year, Africa is occupying Halls 20 and 21, showcasing all major destinations. Hall 20 features island nations like Mauritius, the Seychelles, and Reunion Island, along with southern destinations such as South Africa, Namibia, and Zambia, with Zambia expanding its presence this year. Hall 21 sees newcomer São Tomé and Principe, alongside Ethiopia, Uganda, and Rwanda, each enlarging their exhibition spaces this year. Other top destinations such as Kenya, Congo and the Gambia are highlighting their tourism offerings, from wildlife and landscapes to cultural experiences Halls 20 & 21 The Republic of Congo has exceptional biodiversity made up of tropical forests, savanna plains and the Congo river, home to wild animals and breathtaking landscapes. The spectacular Odzala-Kokoua National Park allows for unforgettable encounters with lowland gorillas, elephants and other rare species. Visitors to the Republic of Congo can immerse themselves in the daily life of local communities in villages renowned for their hospitality, customs, crafts and festivities. Lydie Pongault, Minister of Cultural, Tourism, Art and Leisure industries states that, The Republic of Congo boasts incomparable natural riches—tropical forests, protected animal species, tumultuous rivers and coastlines—and an immense cultural heritage driven by the vitality and creativity of our people. It's this unique combination of tourism and culture that we and our partners are presenting at ITB." Visitors to the stand can meet five leading tourism market players: Wild Safari Tours provides services such as tailor-made trips and private, personalised tours with English/French guides Odzala Kokoua National Park is a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of Africa's oldest national parks, home to over 110 different mammal species, 440 bird species and 1,150 plant species The Ngabé Tourist Site is a lodge along the Congo River with 49 bungalows, a restaurant, conference room, sports hall, two swimming pools and a children's playground Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park is a pristine ecosystem, home for a wide range of animals from endangered large mammals to endemic butterflies The 5-star Pefaco Hotel Maya Maya is next to Brazzaville international airport, offering 158 rooms, 6 restaurants and bars, a conference centre, a fitness room, a swimming pool and tennis court Hall 20 / Stand 306 Africa shows strong tourism growth in 2023 Africa stands out as the continent with the fastest tourism growth in 2023, with international tourist arrival numbers at 96% of 2019 levels according to UN Tourism, the highest recovery percentage in the world. This translated into total international tourist movements reaching 66.4 million. Some African counties even exceeded their 2019 numbers by October or November 2023 including Ethiopia (+30%), Tanzania (+20%) and Morocco Kenya's ITB 2023 stand (+11%). North Africa as a whole recorded 26.8 million international arrivals, up by 4.6% over 2019. The recovery of the continent was stimulated by better air connectivity, in particular on intraregional routes and to Europe and the Middle East 66.4 million international tourism arrivals to Africa in 2023 +30% - Ethiopia showed the strongest growth, surpassing 2019 figures by 30% in 2023 © Stéphane Lelarge 36 ITB BERLIN NEWS • TUESDAY 5 TH MARCH 2024 news.itb.com
I REGION I AFRICA I Gambia brings a smile to ITB Berlin 2024 Gambia's tagline, "The Smiling Coast of Africa" is immediately friendly and welcoming. The Gambia Tourism Board (GTB) is promoting the hospitality of the Gambian people along with the peace, security and political stability of the country at ITB Berlin this year. Gambia is looking to become an all-year destination rather than just a winter one. The Gambia Tourism Board is working to position the country as a top destination in Africa for community tourism: homestays, culinary experiences, a cruise on the Gambia river to meet local populations, going to the market with them or dressing like them…it's all part of the development of sustainable tourism experiences. Another Gambia highlight is the "Roots Experience", dedicated to the history of slavery and inspired by the novel of the famous American writer Alex Haley. The circuit looks at several cultural sites to experience Afro- American roots such as Fort Bullery or Slave Island, and there will be a dedicated Roots Home Festival. Beyond programmes to improve the quality of tourism services and facilities and the training of guides and hotel staff, the GTB is targeting MICE tourism as it offers modern conference facilities, a wide range of hotel options and many original tours. ITB Berlin is an opportunity for professionals to learn more about Gambia's journey to becoming a top tourist destination Hall 21 / Stand 202 © Gambia Tourism Board ADVERTORIAL Strong “Team South Africa” strives for growth at ITB Berlin 2024 South Africa is back at ITB Berlin this year under the slogan "Live South Africa - Unforgettable Moments!" The country's delegation includes 63 tourism products and services, with 15 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMEs) from nine provinces, representing South Africa's unique and culturally diverse tourism offering. "We are at ITB Berlin 2024 as 'Team South Africa', a team that offers a variety of products and experiences. We have put the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic behind us and are pioneering by ensuring that we showcase our exceptional tourism offering and truly enhance South Africa's brand appeal and inspire travellers to book and visit South Africa," says Nombulelo Guliwe, Acting CEO of South African Tourism. South Africa is a destination that offers excellent value for money, especially for Europeans. Entry figures to South Africa were on the rise in 2023 according to the Statistics South Africa, with a total of 8,483,333 tourists from all over the world, a 48.9 percent increase compared to 2022, but still 17.1 percent below pre-pandemic levels. South Africa recorded 308,807 arrivals from the DACH region in 2023, an increase of 41.6 per cent from Germany, 48.8 per cent from Austria and 28.3 per cent from Switzerland compared to the previous year. South Africa will give a "Destination South Africa Showcase" press conference today, followed by a workshop specifically tailored to South African SMEs to maximise networking opportunities for these partners. To further promote networking opportunities, South African wines will also be on offer at the stand Hall 20 / Stand 201 Großer Stern Level 4 | VIP-2 SOUTH AFRICA PRESS CONFERENCE Today, Tuesday 5 March 03:00pm ITB BERLIN NEWS • TUESDAY 5 TH MARCH 2024 37
