Tourism : A luxury for African

   

    Tourism is an activity which includes several other sectors of activity: transport (air, rail, road), accommodation, catering, sports and recreational services, cultural services, computer applications and tools, etc. All these activities, grouped together in one, contribute in one way or another to the development of mankind, both individually and as a community. However, the particularity of this activity is that it is a good that is consumed when primary needs have been satisfied.

According to the figures published by the United Nations agency responsible for promoting tourism (UNWTO), Central Africa, despite the efforts made by each State, is lagging behind. Among the world's emitting zones, the African continent, and more particularly Central Africa, occupies the last ranks. Could this situation be justified by the unsatisfied primary needs of many people?

Affirmative! This is the answer that seems obvious. Could the problem not be found elsewhere? 

A tourist, according to the UNWTO, is any person who travels to countries or places outside his or her usual environment for personal or professional purposes or for business for a consecutive period not exceeding twelve months. Moving outside one's environment involves expenses for transport, food or accommodation. How many cities have pleasant transport routes for visitors to tourist destinations? In addition, many of these hotels open their doors while trying hard to meet international hotel standards. But how many Africans can afford the luxury of a room in a hotel at least once a year? How many prepare for hotel accommodation during their travels? Wouldn't they rather stay with someone they know? What is the tourist's conception of the tourist?

For many people, the tourist is the Other. He is the one who gets off the plane, who has a lot of money and behind whom you can make the most of it. And therefore, the tourist activity "is for people who have money and don't know what to do with it. That's what hotels are built for. It is for them that tourist guides are trained". How many Africans know their own countries?

Far from being a luxury, tourism is an activity whose contribution to development is undeniable: US$43.6 billion in revenue recorded in 2012 for more than 30 million jobs created. However, these benefits can only be seen if and only if mentalities change. Tourism should no longer be seen as the business of others, but rather as everyone's business, an opportunity for cultural enrichment. An opportunity that does not necessarily require the possession of large sums of money to be able to practise it. Eating porcupine, discovering traditional dances and the contrasts of the relief during funeral events does not necessarily require a lot of money. Drinking palm wine or raphias does not require a lot of money.

The professionals of this profession have a lot to do. A Copernican-style revolution must be made in order to bring about notable changes. It is a question for them of sensitizing, of informing, of bringing the ones and the others to know their countries better. This requires innovation and diversification of tourist products, conservation and promotion of cultural identities, respect for standards...Africans must be able to identify themselves through the tourist products they design.

Tourism is not only a matter for the wealthy, "who have nothing to do with their money", it is a matter for everyone; for everyone at his or her low level can do it.

Y.F