What’s in store for Gabon’s international tourism industry under the new President?

The operators of SCD Aviation SA, the tourism industry’s main private inter-parks airline, are looking toward the new Gabonese government in the hope of restarting negotiations to resolve the ongoing dispute.

Press release in Word – English version
Communiqué de press – version française

The operators of SCD Aviation SA, the tourism industry’s main private inter-parks airline, are looking toward the new Gabonese government in the hope of restarting negotiations to resolve the ongoing dispute.

Prior to the elections, all of the airline’s planes were grounded following a disagreement with the interim Gabonese government. Since the beginning of August, international visitors have been unable to reach Loango, the “jewel in the crown” of Gabon’s national parks network, as such jeopardising the country’s tourism industry.

This conflict, as well as the elections, have already forced its main operator in Loango National Park, Africa’s Eden, to temporarily suspend bookings and close its doors to foreign visitors until at least September 20, 2009.

International Tourism Operations Suspended

The park receives thousands of visitors each year from Europe, the United States, Africa and elsewhere. “Sadly, due to the disagreement between the interim Gabonese government and SCD SA and the elections, we can currently not guarantee a safe and convenient journey to Loango National Park for our guests,” said Catherine Eviter, spokesperson for SCD SA.

She continued that the obstacles imposed by the interim government are deeply disappointing in light of the considerable investments SCD SA has made in Gabon and its tourism industry. Since 2001, SCD SA has invested more than €15 million in the Gabonese economy, created more than 300 jobs, and contributed almost €3 million towards conservation and wildlife research.

Tourism development as a potential source of economic diversification & nature conservation

The statement from SCD SA added: “We remain positive that this dispute will be resolved promptly and amicably with the new government and that damage to the reputation of Gabon’s fledgling international tourism industry can be minimised”.

The statement continued: “The development of the national parks and the tourism industry in Gabon are said to be a key priority for the government of Ali Bongo Ondimba, with the aim of creating a sustainable alternative to oil, timber and manganese [a mineral used in steel-making] and to contribute to nature conservation”. As Minister of Defence, Ali Bongo joined Britain’s Prince Charles in a global campaign to save the world’s rainforests and to help in the fight against climate change, in which Gabon plays a central role.

Loango is one of 13 national parks created by the late President Bongo in 2002 to international acclaim from the highest echelons of the conservation world. The move ring-fenced more than 11 per cent of the country for conservation. Dubbed ‘Rainforest Africa’, this virgin territory offers exceptional biodiversity and is expected to become one of the world’s premier destinations for eco-tourism over the next decade.

For further information & images, contact:
Catherine Eviter
catherine.eviter@scd-groupe.com