Allegra Pamela Bongo: FITUR 2026 will put Gabon back on the international tourism map

What is the position of tourism in Gabon and what role does it play in the country’s economic diversification?

Tourism occupies an increasingly strategic place in our country. Gabon, rich in exceptional biodiversity, with primary forests, coastal areas that are significantly unaltered by human activity and a unique fauna, has decided to make sustainable tourism and ecotourism one of the priorities of its economic diversification. Although the industry remains modest in size, it is estimated that the country receives around 350,000 foreign visitors a year. While infrastructure still needs to be improved and transport costs reduced, Gabon's natural and heritage resources offer enormous potential to make it a leading destination for ecotourism and adventure travel.

This commitment is in line with the vision of the President of the Republic, Head of State and Head of Government, His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who has placed the sustainable development of natural and cultural resources at the heart of the national development strategy. It’s about building a model in which humans and nature coexist in a harmonious and responsible balance. Our ambition is clear: to make Gabonese tourism a model of attractiveness, sustainability and tangible economic benefits for our populations. 

Why is Gabon's participation in FITUR 2026 so important?

Gabon's participation in FITUR 2026 is of great importance. Firstly, it is a strategic opportunity to reposition our country on the international tourism map and to showcase our natural and cultural wealth to industry professionals, the media and international investors. In addition, FITUR represents a privileged platform for strengthening our international alliances, fostering new partnerships with tour operators, investors and specialist media, and attracting responsible and sustainable investment.

Finally, this participation allows us to highlight our commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, in full coherence with UN Tourism’s missions. In this regard, the Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Handicrafts, Mr Pascal Ogowe Siffon, represented Gabon at the TOURISM 2025 Forum and the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, held from 7 to 11 November in Riyadh, in order to strengthen strategic partnerships, attract green investments and affirm Gabon's presence on the international scene.

In short, FITUR 2026 is part of the national authorities' desire to position Gabon as a destination of the future; authentic, environmentally friendly and attractive to travellers from all over the world. 

What tourist attractions will Gabon be presenting at the trade fair?

Gabon will present several of its main attractions at FITUR 2026. These include its 13 national parks, which cover more than 10% of the national territory and constitute one of the most established conservation networks in Central Africa Exceptional biodiversity, with primary forests, coastal savannahs, mangroves, lowland gorillas, forest elephants and hippos walking along the beaches. Unspoilt beaches and an almost untouched coastline in the Gulf of Guinea, offering unique experiences between jungle, ocean and mangrove forests. A rich and diverse cultural and artisan heritage, with living traditions, museums, handicrafts and authentic hospitality. And our strong commitment to sustainable tourism, respectful of ecosystems and local communities, is an essential criterion for today's travellers.

What kind of initiatives, activities and business meetings will be taking place at your stand?

We plan to present several initiatives on our stand at FITUR 2026. Specifically, the implementation of the Sustainable Tourism and Handicrafts Development Plan 2025-2035, which aims to structure regional tourism poles, strengthen professional training and support local actors in an inclusive and sustainable dynamic. The Gabon Tourist Caravan, whose second edition in 2025 confirmed its role as a vehicle for national promotion, the enhancement of local communities and the revitalisation of domestic tourism. And immersive visual animation, with images and videos of our parks, landscapes and ecotourism experiences, to capture the attention of tour operators and the general public.

We will also be hosting B2B meetings with tourism professionals, investors and the media, with the aim of generating concrete synergies and structuring integrated tourism offers. And we will have a space dedicated to ecotourism and sustainability, to promote nature, adventure and wellness circuits, and to foster cooperation with the international private sector.

We will also be organising sectoral meetings during the trade fair, with symposiums, round tables and thematic meetings to position Gabon as a differentiated and responsible destination. As well as the distribution of bilingual (French/Spanish) promotional materials, digital media and an interactive map to invite visitors to discover the country and its opportunities. We will also have a space for the promotion of Gabonese craftsmanship, which will show the living expression of our cultural identity and the close link between tourism, creation and traditional know-how.

What would you propose to visitors to the show?

Gabon is at a turning point in its tourism development. After decades of dedicated efforts and investment, we seek to transform our extraordinary potential into concrete results. Increasingly, world travellers are looking for authentic, off-the-beaten-path destinations that are committed to the conservation of nature. Gabon fully meets these expectations. We invite all FITUR 2026 attendees to come to our stand, discover our opportunities and work with us to make Gabon not only a destination of choice for travellers, but also a reliable partner for international tourism operators and investors.