ABIDJAN, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Ivorian Tourism Minister Siandou Fofana on Thursday reaffirmed in Abidjan the government's determination to make tourism a driver of economic growth.
Speaking at the opening ceremony and first ordinary session of the National Tourism Council, Fofana said the government aims to use tourism to boost growth, create jobs and enhance the country's international profile.
"This ambition could turn our country into a true showcase of modern, sustainable and competitive tourism in Africa by 2030," he said.
Fofana highlighted progress made under the "Sublime Cote d'Ivoire" strategy launched in 2018, saying the country received about 6.7 million visitors and generated more than 1.1 trillion CFA francs (about 1.9 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue, accounting for 8.7 percent of GDP.
He also cited improvements in hotel, road and airport infrastructure, as well as efforts to promote Cote d'Ivoire in international tourism markets.
The country is working to develop several tourism hubs, notably in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro (center), San Pedro (southwest) and Man (west). ■