We are very happy to exhibiting for the first time in WTM London 2018 because it is the leading global event for the travel industry. It is a great opportunity for us to be participating in this whole global travel trade and meet, network, negotiate and conduct business under one roof. Also, The UK is one of the tourists issuer market in the World. We participating in this great even alongside with of Djiboutians Tourism private sector representatives in order to promote together Djibouti destination and to take advantage of this opportunity to gain access to the market in the sale of their tourism products. We would also like to inform potential investments offered by the country, particularly in the tourism sector.
The specialized agencies have recognized the exceptional characteristics offered by Djibouti country. The international tourist information guide “Lonely Planet” has classified the “destination Djibouti” as the 4th touristic destination to visit absolutely in 2018″. And the international organization “World Peace Without Border” awarded Djibouti the prize of “World Peace in 2018” in the name of humanity in June 2018.
Located at the crossroads between East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Asian continent and Europe, Djibouti is a logistics hub because of its strategic position on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which serves as a gateway to the Suez Canal, one of the busiest shipping routes in the world.
With an economic growth rate of 7%, the Republic of Djibouti ranks 4th in the rankings of African countries which record a stable economic performance in the report of the World Bank published in 2018.
To realize its ambitions to position itself as a regional center and a platform for trade and distribution of goods, our country has begun the modernization of its infrastructure. The railway, with the recent inauguration of the new line between Djibouti and Addis Ababa is an example. Being the first power line on the African continent, this achievement brings us a little closer to our ambition as a regional logistics center.
Through its national strategy “Vision 2035”, Djibouti aims to become the largest logistics center in Africa and to fully acquire 100% green energy. In 2000, a decisive step was taken when the government decreed that by 2020, Djibouti will use only green and clean energy. After 18 years, Djibouti is about to reach its goal.
In the field of ports and logistics, the Republic of Djibouti has improved nearly 20 years, its connectivity at the service of regional integration. Starting from a single port in the early 2000s, the country now has 4 general-purpose ports and 2 specialized ports are under construction.
In July 2018, the 1st phase of what will be Africa’s largest international free trade zone was inaugurated. This first phase finalized covers an area of 240 hectares and is the result of an investment of $ us 370 million. The construction of the Djibouti International Free Zone (DIFTZ) will cover an area of 4800 hectares for a total investment estimated at $ us 3.5 billion.
In the area of tourism, Djibouti has numerous of potentials sites such as Lake Assal which is located Just over 100km of the capital lies one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Africa. Lac Assal is located 153m below sea level, and is encircled by dark, dormant volcanoes. It is the second saltiest body of water in the world, the third lowest point on earth and the world’s largest salt reserve.
This curiosity meets an even rarer geological curiosity: the famous open-air fault that gradually separates two parts of the world. It is one of the two places in the world where one can observe outside a fault between two tectonic plates (African and Arabic).
Other example, you’ll never forget your first glimpse of Lac Abbé. The scenery is sensational: the plain is dotted with hundreds of limestone chimneys, some standing as high as 50m, belching out puffs of steam. Located 140km southwest of Djibouti City, it is often described as ‘a slice of moon on the crust of earth’.
The landscape isn’t the only thing worth coming for. Djibouti is one of the few places to swim with whale sharks. Swimming near one is like watching a freight train go past – these gentle omnivore fish are enormous, the biggest in the world.
Djibouti is what it always was, a trading post where different cultures and empires collide. A heady mix of African, Arabic and French influences give Djibouti City an exotic atmosphere and vibe. The hospitality of the nomadic populations whose way of life and know-how are simple and rooted in time make Djibouti an indisputable land of encounters and exchanges.
Djibouti is fast becoming known as a great tourist destination. It’s extremely diverse and colourful marine life with over 200 coral species; it is one of the healthiest reefs in the world.
Djibouti might be small in terms of country size but everything about it is huge…
Stand: AF590