Tourism
From The Report: Gabon 2014
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As oil output declines, the government is looking to encourage growth in the tourism sector, with the aim of developing high-end and luxury ecotourism under the rubric of the Green Gabon strategy for sustainable development.

In spite of the country’s wealth of natural attractions, Gabon’s tourism industry has remained small in both absolute terms and the contribution it makes to the local economy. Between 2006 and 2011 some 100,000 visitors arrived in Gabon, with France ranking as the highest visitor market at around 35% of arrivals. Tourism made up 1.2% of Gabon’s GDP in 2013, but the government anticipated the sector’s contribution will grow 9.5% in 2014, and an annual average of 7.3% through 2024. The sector is set to expand in coming years, pushing up its contribution to GDP.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

A more sustainable approach: Development and promotion with an eye on the longer term
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In spite of the country’s wealth of natural attractions, Gabon’s tourism industry has remained small in both absolute terms and the contribution it makes to the local economy, in part because the oil sector formed the country’s main focus for many years. As oil output declines, the government is looking to encourage growth in the industry, with the aim of developing high-end and luxury ecotourism under the rubric of the Green Gabon strategy for sustainable development. As a result, the sector…

Analysis

Facilitating investment and expansion in tourism and hospitality
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To attract companies to invest in the Gabonese tourism and hospitality industries, the government has put in place a range of financial incentives for firms operating in the sector, as well as having begun to sign concessions with companies for the establishment of hotels and resorts in national parks. Ambitious plans to upgrade the national road transport network, putting an end to the effective isolation of some parts of the country, as well as several new international airport projects in the…

Analysis

Expanding local hotel capacity
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In recent years Gabon has witnessed a spate of hotel construction, renovation and changes in ownership, with much activity taking place at the upper end of the market. Major developments include the creation of a new Gabonese hotel group that has come to dominate the high-end, branded business segment in Libreville and Port-Gentil, as well as the arrival of international management companies, the planned launch of the country’s first branded mid-range establishment, and agreements to build luxury…