CTBC at the Cameroon International Tourism Fair - Limbe 2023
The Botanic Garden hosted the third edition of the Cameroon International Tourism Fair from the 02 to the 04 November 2023. The Minister of State, Minister of Tourism and Leisure H.E Bello Bouba MAIGARI officially opened the fair under the theme: "Marketing of the destination of Rural and Urban ecotourism: Exploiting local knowledge for sustainability".
In his speech, H.E Bello Bouba MAIGARI insisted on the reasons for choosing this theme. Cameroon in general and the city of Limbe in particular has suffered a lot from the Anglophone crisis and the ravages of Covid-19. It is necessary for every Cameroonian of the city of Limbe, port city, tourist destination of Cameroon, to restore its coat of arms and to regain all its letters of nobility. We must promote tourism in order to sell the destination Cameroon, while adapting to the Change and evolution of our environment. He echoed.
Highlights of this event were the various food stations where meals were curated and served hot. Staff explained the origins of most meals and demonstrated how they were cooked. Interactive workshops, and open discussions between Traditional Rulers and fair delegates were a great opportunity to learn about the history of Limbe, the Botanic Gardens, the tradition and culture of the various Paramount Rulers of the South West Region. This session threw so much light on opening Limbe as a tourist destination and giving tourists a chance to learn about the history of this region, its peoples and the culture they hold so dear. The canoe rice and traditional tug of war was also elaborately displayed on the closing day of this fair.
All attendees of the fair could see why the location of the fair was Limbe and how many opportunities lie ready to be developed in the sector of tourism. Added to the Minister’s advise that Limbe display not only its hospitality sector but also its culture, art, tradition, cuisine and attractions as a revenue generation scheme for its peoples and to boost the economy.
The CTBC took part in this great cultural meeting, among other schools, hotels, restaurants and corporations from the South West Region and beyond. Relations between Cameroon and Türkiye are in a good state, especially on a diplomatic and economic level. Its objective during this fair was to inform the public more about its activities and to expand its network. She was accompanied by two Turkish organizations: TIKA – Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and MAARIF FOUNDATION, specialized in the field of education and vocational training.
These two Turkish organizations present in Limbe had the objective of studying the terrain of Limbe and the opportunities that lie here for them, particularly in terms of culture, tourism and vocational training in innovative sectors.
The closing ceremony took place on Saturday, November 04th. The Minister of State, Minister of Tourism and Leisure presided over the Ceremony, in the presence of the Governor of the South-West Region and the Traditional Authorities. In his speech, Bello Bouba Maigari welcomed the involvement of the population of Limbe and those of all the companies present, especially foreign companies. Several dance groups added flair and color to the event and the ceremonies in particular.