The National Tourism Council (CNT) of Côte d'Ivoire convened its second ordinary session of the year on November 5, 2026, in Abidjan. The meeting, chaired by the Director of Cabinet of the Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Andi Léal Daniel, brought together representatives from public administration, private sector, local authorities, professional organizations, and technical partners. The council reviewed progress, examined the strategic plan adopted in June 2026, and defined priorities for 2027.
The council's Secretary Executive, Dr. Atta Kouacou Jean-Marie, presented a report on the first half of 2026, highlighting advances in the institution's structuring and functioning. Key achievements include the establishment of thematic commissions and their working sessions. The CNT has also engaged in cooperation with international partners, such as the Berlin Tourism and Leisure Bureau and Kolber Group, to revitalize travel agencies. A digital consultation platform was launched to facilitate stakeholder exchanges and enhance reform monitoring.
The council discussed strategic dossiers, including the ambition to position Côte d'Ivoire among the top five most attractive tourist destinations in Africa by 2030. Five priority areas were emphasized: enhancing accommodation capacities and leisure infrastructure, developing domestic tourism and valorizing cultural and natural heritage, consolidating local governance, establishing foreign tourism promotion offices, and integrating startups and digital innovations into the national tourism offer.
Several major projects were mentioned, including the Trois Tours on the AIP site, the Ritz-Carlton on the BNETD site, M. Avenue, the new Hotel Ivoire tower, and Akwaba Parc Oriental in Songon. The council also recommended improving regional destination accessibility, diversifying tourism products, mobilizing investments, and strengthening professional training and competencies.
The presidents of thematic commissions presented recommendations to enhance sector performance. These proposals focus on improving air accessibility, product diversification, investment mobilization, and professional training. The goal is to make Côte d'Ivoire a more competitive destination, improve service quality, and ensure a better distribution of tourism economic benefits across the territory.
The representative of the Minister of Tourism and Leisure called on the CNT members to implement the recommendations, translating them into concrete actions with clear responsibilities, deadlines, and monitoring indicators. For 2027, priorities include implementing commission recommendations, deploying the digital consultation platform, organizing an ecotourism conference, and strengthening international partnerships.
The CNT aims to consolidate its role as a framework for concertation and coordination of national tourism policies. A clear message emerged: Côte d'Ivoire's tourism development must now translate into concrete achievements, structuring investments, and effective governance to achieve its 2030 ambitions.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire aims to position itself among the top five most attractive tourist destinations in Africa by 2030.
- The National Tourism Council has outlined five priority areas to achieve its ambitions, including enhancing accommodation capacities and leisure infrastructure.
- The council has launched a digital consultation platform to facilitate stakeholder exchanges and enhance reform monitoring.
