Djibouti has been dubbed one of the world’s least visited nations, but the country plans to change its current status by exhibiting at WTM London. It will also exhibit at WTM Africa 2019, showcasing its national treasures for the first time at one of Africa’s leading inbound and outbound travel exhibition.
Last year Djibouti celebrated the 40th anniversary of its independence from France, and is looking to develop its tourism industry as one of its growth sectors.
It is estimated that the country, bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, attracts about 73 000 arrivals each year, boasting a climate, landscape, history and beaches that appeal to travellers worldwide.
Swimming with whale sharks is one of the highlights for tourists, while other activities include scuba diving, fishing, hiking and bird-watching. It also has noteworthy landscapes featuring mountains, volcanoes, salt lakes and deserts.
International airlines that serve Djibouti include Air France, Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways, while the capital city features hotels from chains such as Sheraton and Kempinksi.
A spokesperson from the National Tourism Office of Djibouti said: “We are very happy to be exhibiting for the first time at WTM London 2018, because it is the leading global event for the travel industry. It is a great opportunity for us.”
The spokesperson highlighted how travel publisher, Lonely Planet, had rated Djibouti fourth in its rankings of the top ten countries to visit in 2018, due to its dramatic landscapes and mix of land and water activities.
“Djibouti is what it always was – a trading post where different cultures and empires collide,” the spokesperson continued. “A heady mix of African, Arabic and French influences gives Djibouti City create an exotic atmosphere and vibe. Djibouti might be small in terms of country size, but everything about it is huge.”
WTM London, Senior Director, Simon Press said: “We’re delighted to welcome another debutant to WTM London this year. It’s great that the Djibouti government is looking to tourism as one of the key sectors to boost its economy.”
Megan Oberholzer, Portfolio General Manager of Travel, Tourism and Sports at Reed Exhibitions, mentioned that tourism plays a vital role in boosting the economy globally, and welcoming Djibouti to the WTM Portfolio shows that exhibitions provide a dynamic platform for countries to connect with the world, and ultimately, facilitate business.
“WTM will help Djibouti with its aims, and ensure that plenty of networking and business deals are facilitated during the event. WTM London now hosts 187 countries and regions and will facilitate more than £3 billion in industry deals. Feeding into the WTM London theme ‘Ideas Arrive’, we could soon see Djibouti as part of many tour operators’ programmes,” concluded Oberholzer.
