Tourism and Destinations

Trends in Tourism All of Africa in a single Country. This is a slogan of inspiration for all those who visit Cameroon and especially for expserts in Cameroons Ministry of Tourism. This country offers all major characteristics that can be found in other countries in Africa: a highly diverse cultural background found in more than 200 ethnic groups, an exceptional geological, ecological and botanic potential, wildlife in its natural form and varied climatic conditions. This is the main reason why tourism is ranked 10th top priority of the President and his collaborators. The objective is to make Cameroon a leading tourist destination. The number of tourists coming to Cameroon increased from 200 000 in 2001 to about 300 000 in 2003 and this figure has steadily increased over the years. The objective in 2003 was to attain 500 000 visitors. Cameroon has more than 200 ethnic groups with over 233 languages spoken and a diversity of cultural activities. There are also ecotourist potentials that can be developed from North to south and from East to West thanks to the highly contrasting landscape. Mountaineering and tourism on mountains can also be practiced on the mountain ranges that are found allover the country. Safari can also be practiced by visiting the multitude of National parks which contain a diversity of mammals, birds and other beasts. Henceforth a safari could be a visit to Waza to watch animals, then back to the Northern parks like that of Bouba Ndjidah, or Korup in the south and the Dja national patrimony to admire the riches of nature. The some what median position of Cameroon in Africa makes it really summarize a good number of characteristics of the continent, causing some people refer to it as Africa in miniature. From the green dense south dominated by the Equatorial forest, there is a gradual change towards a low green savannah and steppe towards the north. The Western section of the country is dominated by a high relief, also dominated by savannah meanwhile the littoral section of the country has an extensive coastline marked by grayish yellow fine sands. There are also interesting aspects of the landscape marked by attractive sites, traditions and people. All these have led to different types of tourism which are practiced through out the year depending on the seasons. Cameroon has a good site for sea and beach loving visitors, with about 400 km of the Atlantic coast stretching along part of the country. Kribi and Limbe towns are the highest points of attraction for tourism on the coast. From these coasts, tourists can also carry out inland tourism to other destinations. In Kribi, there is an excellent beach of white sand extending over a large

area with coconut trees from time to time appearing on the scenery. The contact between the Ocean and the sea is also an extraordinary site to see. Another wonder of Kribi is found in the south where a number of cascades of about 30 m high have given rise to waterfalls, the most spectacular being the Lobe fall which issues out directly into the Atlantic Ocean. A little bit above this area are fishing villages; Ebounja and Ebodje in which the activity is believed to be carried out miraculously. From Lobe, further visits on boats and canoes will take you to the discovery of the Pygmies of the equatorial Forest. The Limbe region is close to Douala and has a splendid site marked by the mount Cameroon which dominates the Atlantic region of Cameroon. The road linking the coast to Douala passes along magnificient plantations of rubber, palms and bananas. The geology of the coastal area is generally characterized by a large expanse of grey sand. Also thanks to the geographic situation Cameroon, there is a high diversity of most fauna and flora species found in Africa, with some that can only be found in Cameroon. There are presently nine national parks serving as a safe haven for wildlife in its natural state. This are areas of safari in which visitors can observe, take photos and feel the presence of animals in nature. The Waza National Park is the most popular in Cameroon and one of the most spectacular in francophone black Africa. It is located in the Far North Province and is a paradise for lions and numerous mammals like giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, leopards etc as well as a great colony of diverse bird species. The Bouba Ndjidah National park is a territory for rhinoceros. There are equally lions, elephants, buffaloes amongst others found here. The Benue National Park is at the heart of the northern region and it is a region with the largest antelopes, hippopotamus, hyenas, panthers, buffaloes etc. The Faro National park has a large number of animals amongst which are: buffaloes, rhinoceros, elephants, giraffes etc. The Kalamaloue National Park has elephants, crocodiles and a multitude of birds. The Mozogo Gokoro National park is of high botanical interest, and therefore a good site for research. The Korup national park located in the southern part of the country and has one of the oldest and most beautiful tropical forests in the world. Besides National parks, Cameroon also has a good number of reserves and sanctuaries such as that of Dja and Campo which are great gorilla sanctuaries. Cameroon is also endowed with a rich cultural diversity manifested by a rich and diverse folklore, arts, habitats and ways of life. Every region has a particular folklore and music. In the south there is the Bafia dance, Bekutsi, assiko and others that are very much loved by poets and visitors to the region. In the West, there is the Bamaleke dance, dominated by masked people dancing in very attractive and picturesque costumes. The north is a whole country of fantasia, marked by decorated horsemen in painted costumes, carrying and blowing long trumpets.

Handicrafts and arts are made through out the country but the West and Northern parts of the country are leaders in the sector. Bafoussam, Foumban and Bamenda are towns that are noted for their masks, decorated costumes, chairs created in the form of thrones, pipes, sculptures and statues. In Maroua, there is an attractive multicolored market of decorated

table cloths, locally tanned leather sleepers, bags and wallets of crocodile, snake or iguana skins, bracelets, hand-made carpets and decorative objects in general. There is also a rich historical patrimony in this region marked by monuments and antiquities as well as very ancient traditional palaces. Cameroon also has abundant potentials for ecotourism; four sites can be visited in this respect like: the Dja reserve, the Korup National Park, the Limbe botanical garden and the Ebodje village. The Limbe botanical garden was created in 1892 by a German horticulturalist in a bid to cultivate certain crops which were not adapted to the climate of Cameroon. Limbe is situated in the South West, beside the Atlantic Ocean. Several small tracks were created in this garden to facilitate easy access by visitors who come there to admire the natural wonders and biodiversity of the site. A jungle village was created at the centre of the garden for cultural manifestations. It is also a centre for international research on biodiversity. Ebodje is a fishing village also located at the borders of the Atlantic Ocean some 50 km from Kribi. Its beautiful beaches are a good site for lovers who can take on excursions in boats organized by fishermen. Ebodje is also a regional site for the protection of marine turtles. The Dja reserve is a world Heritage site declared y UNESCO since 1987. It is located in the south and has the richest natural fauna and flora biodiversity. It has over 1500 animal species amongst which are elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees, more than 107 mammals and a large biodiversity of birds estimated at over 320 bird species. The Korup National park falls amongst one of the oldest Tropical rainforests in the world. Fauna riches in this park can be explained by the fact that this area was not totally cleared off during the last ice age. Its fauna is comprised of more than 400 bird species, 140 fish species, numerous mammals and primates. More than 400 flora species have been identified in this area, with numerous medicinal plants. In terms of ecotourism, the presence of 250 fossilized dinosaur footprints at Manangia (Mayo Rey) are also be an attraction, not forgetting the mount Cameroon with its impressive height of 4070m. It is an active volcano, having a number of small rivers crisscrossing its slopes, some falling as rapids or waterfalls. To the north, the Mount Mandara and the sunny landscapes of the Kapsiki present beautiful sceneries. This area is inhabited by isolated human groups of people who are animists and live totally preserved from the influence of modern civilizations. An example is the Koma people on the Mount Atlantika. Within the confines of the boundary from the South west coasts of the Atlantic towards the interior, there is a vast expanse of forest vegetation that is cut across in several areas by rivers. There are equally towns and especially villages isolated in some areas; having traditions that have long existed and keep on passing from generation to generation. Some of these villages are good camping sites. The north has distinct vegetation from the south; there is a visible change from dense forests in the south to a savannah landscape in the north. This begins with a vast expanse of lowland prairies on the Adamawa plateau (grazing zone) towards the north between Maroua and Kousseri on immense dry plains which tend to be dominated by a Sahel steppe vegetation. Culturally, annual traditional festivals are often organized in different areas of the country; these are opportunities of seeing different traditional dances and costumes. Examples are: the Ngondo of the coastal people, funerals of the Western people, the Ngoun of the Bamoun People which has become very popular and the Nyem-Nyem festival in the Adamawa.

Big towns like Yaound and Douala with their immense infrastructure of hotels, banks, conference halls and hotels are favorable sites for international conferences and business. There are also several lodging/hosting services in Cameroon to take care of tourists. There are today more than 188 classified structures with a carrying capacity of over 7223 rooms, about 10835 beds amongst which are campsites in national parks; 193 restaurants of international standard offering both local and foreign meals. There are also several possibilities of carrying out leisure activities like golf clubs, night clubs, bars, theatre halls and swimming pools. There are more than 50 travel agencies that are specialized in organizing tours and taking tourists to different locations; ensuring their security, nice stay and safe return. Cameroon also has three international airports that regularly serve international flights. There are equally internal flights to the nine secondary airports found in different locations. There is equally a good road network that links the major towns and provincial capitals as well as principal tourist sites in the country. A railway line runs from the south to the north, moving from Douala to Yaounde and finally to Ngaoundere. Cameroon is an ideal tourist destination in Africa and has a good record of security. The population is very welcoming to strangers and has much to offer in terms of culture, arts and behaviors. A visit to Cameroon could be equated to visiting the whole African Continent in summary. It is therefore not wrong to refer to this country as Africa in miniature. Protected Areas Cameroon today has about 20 protected areas in the form of national parks, game reserves and sanctuaries; being indisputable potentials for tourism and ecotourism. The first national park in Cameroon dates over 30 decades and today she has double the total number of National Parks compared to a prominent tourist destination like Kanya. For over 2 decades, the valorization of the national patrimony towards tourist ends was carried out only in the two Northern provinces (the North and Extreme North provinces) as well as towards the Littoral (towards Douala). Six of the first created nine national parks are found in the North of Cameroon. With lots of potentials that Cameroon has, it could have logically been one of the greatest tourist destinations in Africa, yet this is not the case. Cameroon has a 30 year timid experience in tourism which is still in difficulties. There is the urgent need to transform some of these existing tourist sites to ecotourist sites to ensure sustainability and environmental protection before they become completely destroyed. Historical background of protected areas in Cameroon The history of the birth of protected areas and subsequently tourist sites started in the American state of Wyoming with the creation of the Yellowstone Park in 1872. In Africa, the first protected area was the Sabie Game Reserve of South Africa created in 1898 which was later on called the Kruger National Park. Since these two memorable dates, colonial powers across the world started setting up national parks, zoological gardens and game reserves. This extended to francophone Africa and the first protected areas were created in 1920. In Cameroon, it started on the 19th November 1935 with the creation of the Mozogo Gokoro and that of Benue in the North and has so far extended to other parts of the territory presently occupying 15 % of the national territory and plans are underway to expand these to over 30% of the national territory. On the 12th September 1933, Dr Jeannin, the head of veterinary services in North Cameroon presented a project for the creation of a third reserve (the Waza ) . The initial surface of this reserve at

creation covered a surface area of 155 000 ha and increased to 165000ha in 1935. Presently, Cameroon has over 14 protected areas as follows: National Parks -The Waza Park, Benue Park, Faro Park, the Mbam et Djerem national Park, Boumba, Lobeke, Campo Maan, Korup, Boumba Bek, Bouba-Ndjida, Mozogo, Goroko, Kalamaloue Reserves Kimbi game reserve, Dja game reserve, Douala Edea reserve, Kalfou, Lake, Ossa reserve, Mbi crater and Santchou game reserve. Sanctuary Mengame gorilla sanctuary Mbayang Mbo fauna sanctuary

Protected areas have a high biodiversity of animals and plants which make them privileged destinations for tourists. The have the highest force of attraction to foreigner tourists who visit Cameroon. Elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, monkeys, a multitude of bird species, zebras, snakes, diverse aquatic life amongst others, are just a few attractions that are common in these destinations Sources: Mesmin Tchindjang (2006) in BOLETIM GOIANO DE GEOGRAFIA, V.26, n.2jul/.dez.2006 Gerard Noireau (2003) in Une Destination Touristique Emergente, MARCHE NOUVEAUX, n.13.

Environment related issues

The environment can be described as all that surounds man, or simply the totality of surrounding conditions. In todays world, the environment is experiencing changes due to man's activities on the landscape. This has led global changes that are today translated by a loss in biodiversity, land degradation and sterility, deforestation, floods, migration amongst others. Cameroon is today experiencing environmental related problems. An increase in deforestation, pollution, urbanisation, agricultural practices amongst others, is leading to several problems that need to be adressed.

7 French tourists kidnapped in north Cameroon near Nigeria: Defense minister

English.news.cn 2013-02-20 00:01:48 YAOUNDE, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Several French tourists were kidnapped earlier Tuesday somewhere near Babanga, a city in the extreme-north region of Cameoon on the border with Nigeria, Cameroonian Minister of Defense Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo'o told Xinhua. "They were kidnapped between Babanga and Kousseri," said the Cameroonian minister, contacted by phone. Earlier Tuesday, French Presidency confirmed that three adults and four children of a same family have been kidnapped in the north of Cameroun. Reports said the tourists slept in the park's tourist camp Monday night and left the park earlier Tuesday morning. The vehicle used by the kidnapped French has been found, regional delegate of the Ministry of Forest and Faune, Jean David Ndjigba, told Xinhua. The vehicle has been found in Babanga, but without the tourists in it, he said. The governor the extreme-north region is expected to inspect the zone in search of the kidnapped, he added. Along the border in the north of Cameroon, hostage taking frequently occurs, but it is the first time that Western tourists have been kidnapped in Cameroon. Residents in Babanga told Xinhua by phone that Babanga is separated from the neighboring Nigerian village of Rimele by a small river, which is dried up these months since it is the dry season.

Interview: H.E. Baba Hamadou, Minister of Tourism, Cameroon

Mister Minister, what are your immediate and long range goals for tourism in Cameroon? In the area of tourism Cameroon is currently pursuing a double objective: seeing to it that this sector participates concretely and immediately in the implementation of the Head of State's policy programme for his current seven &endash; year term of office, so as to meet the common goal of social well being. This is why my Ministry is working to increase significantly the number of international tourists visiting Cameroon. The figure is today estimated at about half a million. The immediate objective which agrees with the medium- range target of endowing the sector with a sound tourism policy that will be made possible in the coming months through a Tourism Development Master Plan, will lead to a more rational and optimal development and exploitation of our potentials. The upcoming creation of a National Tourism Board, the developments now taking place in some tourist sites, notably within the framework of the STEP (Sustainable Tourism for Eliminating Poverty) Programme, the imminent launching of major construction works for the iinvestment of giant tourist complexes in Malimba-Yoyo in the Littoral Region and in Lob near Kribi in the South Region are ample proof of a brighter future for Cameroon's tourism industry. As far as cooperation is concerned, we are going to continue with the signing of cooperation agreements in the area of tourism, notably with China. . What sets Cameroon apart from other destinations in Western and Central Africa? What is your competitive edge? The main characteristic of Cameroon's tourist products is their diversity. In fact, thanks to its central position on the African continent, Cameroon's tourism is characterized by a large variety of products. Cameroon's tourism potential is endowed with a large range of resources stemming from its landscape, and climate which give rise to flora and fauna resources that feature among the richest in Africa. Moreover, this country harbours almost the totality of what nature has unevenly given to other African countries. Here live more than 250 ethnic groups with exceptionally rich and varied cultures and folklores. It is worth noting here that in a region like ours which is plagued with all sorts of crises - social peace that reigns in our country is very conducive for profitable tourist investments. How highly do you rate your membership in the Africa Travel Association and its events in Africa and the USA? There exist potential market segments in the USA for the development of our tourism. There are for example, lovers of nature, of less &endash; disturbed environment, and of genuine cultures and traditions. But, the most visible segment is of human and historic interest. It is worth recalling that according to historians, about 30% of black slave population that was taken from

the West Coast of Africa originated from the region that stretches from Cameroon to the Niger Delta. Probability is therefore high that an important part of African Americans hailed from Cameroonian families, as it is the case with Nate Parker, who, according to recent information, will visit Cameroon where his roots are said to be found in the Tikar region. This accounts for: Cameroon's adhesion to ATA in 1986; the organization of two annual congresses (1987 and 2004) and of one symposium on ecotourism in 2001 in Cameroon; the creation of an ATA Chapter; the creation of a National Scientific Committee on Cultural Tourism Project "The Slave Route" and more recently the representation of Cameroon Head of State H.E. Paul BIYA at the 4 th Forum of African Heads of State on Tourism organized By ATA last September in New York alongside the General assembly meeting of the United Nations. As far as ATA events in Africa and the USA are concerned, they have been witnessing for the past years both a quantitative and qualitative evolution. The project for the elaboration of a fiveyear plan of ATA's activities could be a good thing likely to help this organization be more at the service of its members and of the development of tourism in Africa. What are your priorities for the improvement to the tourism infrastructures? To improve tourism infrastructures in Cameroon, a number of activities have been undertaken, notably: 1- On going leasing procedure of State- owned hotels. To that effect, a public international call for the manifestation of interest was launched and the deadline for submission of tender files is 24 May 2010; 2- Many tourist sites have been studied and are soon going to be developed within the framework of ecotourism development in Cameroon. It is the case with the EBOGO tourist site in the Centre Region and Lake AWING in the North- West Region which are STEP projects (Sustainable Tourism for Eliminating Poverty) 3- Improving upon the quality of service in lodging establishments through the on going campaigns on classification and re-classification. 4- Training and sensitization campaigns geared towards private operators through the organization of seminars on quality. What results do you expect from the Africa Tourism Commission meeting this May? The UNWTO Africa Commission is holding its 50th meeting from 17 to 19 May 2010 in Algiers in Algeria. This meeting is coming after the 18th session of the General assembly meeting of the World Tourism Organization held last October in Astana in Kazakhstan and whose resolutions marked more than ever before, the determination and the capacity of its members to make tourism an essential tool for job creation and economic recovery. In my capacity as Chairman of the UNWTO Commission for Africa, and considering the positive results achieved by this region as far as international tourist arrivals since the beginning of the economic and financial crisis of

2008 are concerned, our wish is to see our countries implement the resolutions mentioned above, namely the ones relating to "the road map for recovery "and the Declaration of tourist movements". This will help to maximize the fallouts of tourist activities in our countries. The World Football Cup to be organized in South Africa and the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the independence of most African countries will obviously contribute to it. Cameroon Ministry of Tourism Tel:, +237 222-4411 Fax:, +237 222-1295. B.P. 266 Yaound 237 Cameroon Website: www.mintour.gov.cm E-mail: ctourisme@yahoo.fr