Burundi has launched what it describes as an aggressive tourism marketing plan aimed at promoting the country as an attractive tourism destination for the next five years.
Christine Niragira, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry in charge of tourism, revealed that the plan aims to achieve several objectives; increasing the number of tourist arrivals each year, improving and promoting tourist products, as well as enhancing the country’s brand image as a safe and welcoming destination.
However, critics argue that the new 2025-2029 marketing plan could suffer setbacks since the country has Self-isolated by shutting off its borders.
The East African country of about 14million people has a poor economy with high cost of Living and chocking on debts.
Édouard Bagumako, said for the marketing plan to be implemented, several things have to be done.
These include; close collaboration between the public sector and the private sector, improvement of access routes to certain tourist sites, rehabilitation of certain roads, and enhancement of hospitality infrastructure, including the rehabilitation and modernization of existing hotels (Wi-Fi, cleanliness, comfort).
Meanwhile, representatives of hotels and other stakeholders, suggested that the Government of Burundi become more involved in this sector by increasing tourism funding to facilitate the reception of foreigners. They also recommended the rehabilitation of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport according to international standards,
