ATB Joins Burundi to Celebrate World Tourism Day 2022 Among the Rural Dwellers
The African Tourism Board joined Burundi to celebrate World Tourism Day 2022 as the country took the celebration to the rural dwellers within their communities.
joining in the celebration on a high note was Hon. Marie Chantal Nijimbere, the Minister of Transport, Trade and Industry and Tourism, Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana, Director of Productive Services at EAC alongside Hon. Cuthbert Ncube, the Executive Chairman of African Tourism Board among others who have all been part of the the high level East Africa Tourism Expo that was hosted in the capital Bujumbura, Burundi, the 2nd edition that was a huge success having attracted regional participants who were treated to the unique and rich cultural entertainment – drum beats – being a treasure of the mountain Jewel of Africa’s Burundi .
In positioning and branding Burundi’s diverse offerings to the enchanting saturation of the tourists yearning for a peace of mind, the Minister has pledged an open arms to welcoming visitors and eco-tourism investment because Burundi is a virgin land awaiting exploration with so much opportunities in agro-tourism, fisheries, MICE, Events and other areas.
Burundi government has opened, and in assistance to the wider spectrum in business and investment opportunities.
The Secretery General of the East Africa Community who has worked hard to the success of the 2nd edition was quick to applaud the integration of East African Member States that have joined the block, Africanizing the region in fulfillment of the AU’s agenda items by turning Africa to its glory, accessing free movement starting with the region where a single passport visa has been implemented and where all EAC citizens visiting all the tourist attractions with visa free movement with the East African passport being accepted in all tourism facilities within the block on a special reduced rates.
The ATB Chairman, Cuthbert Ncube acknowledged the great strides from the region in making tourism accessible and a seamless travel reached by the EAC Member States, but becried the slow appreciation from other regions in implementing mechanisms that will enhance the African Continental Free Trade Area among all members in making it possible for Africa to participate in the main stream of the economies, especially the tourism sector that plays a pivotal role in creating jobs in its diverse value chain.
ATB Chairman emphasized a need to observe the Africa Tourism Day as it will be an authentic celebration in raising continent’s fundamental issues that impact many lives of African citizens who have been excluded in the tourism economies.
Ncube applauded the Hon. Minister in choosing to celebrate the WTD with the wider community which subscribes to endorsing community based tourism thus igniting the participation from those who have been marginalized in the value chain economy.
The ceremony was held in the province of Gitega, the capital and origin of the sacred drums as the delegates were treated to drum beats, song and dance that keep the audience taping their feet, flowing with the rhythm of the unique culture that Africa has so much to offer proudly in diversity, complementing the drives for cultural offerings.
