Journalists Urged To Promote Tourism

George Mbella

20 June 2011

Journalists from the public and private media houses have been called upon to encourage efforts undertaken by government and professionals to promote the tourist industry in Cameroon.

The call was made on monday June 20 in Yaounde by the Minister of Tourism, El Hadj Baba Hamadou while opening a five-day workshop on tourism communication.

El Hadj Baba Hamadou saw the role of journalists as important in every initiative aimed at ending poor communication and enabling understanding of tourism in Cameroon at a time when the country has attained 500,000 visitors a year, thus becoming a world tourist destination. At the global level, the Minister said, tourism contributes 11 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, and has created 300 million jobs.

“In Cameroon, tourism contributes between 2,5 and 3 per cent to the gross domestic product, which is insufficient,” he said. He also revealed that tourism was now classified in Cameroon as a growth-stimulating sector aiming at a contribution of 8 per cent to the GDP, with favourable government policy and assistance from international partners. “For a year now, Cameroon has ceased to be a destination of harassment,” he affirmed. He called on journalists to join in spreading the good news about achievements and potentials in the industry in a way that could attract more investors.

For five days, participants will receive lectures on the legal framework governing tourism in Cameroon, the tourism industry and its impact on the economy and the image of the country. Emphasis will also be laid on the respect for the code of ethics in tourism communication. At the end of the seminar, the organisers expect the journalists to become veritable trainers and educators on tourism as well as use acquired skills, knowledge and techniques to put forth strong arguments to attract more investors into the industry. Hence, the journalists were reminded by the President of the Union of Journalists, Nta à Bitang to make use of the training and practise their profession with respect for ethics and the social role of the press.

AllAfrica – All the Time