Cameroon launches $18 million tourism programme to boost visitor arrivals

Cameroonian Government has launched an $18 million tourism development programme aimed at modernizing infrastructure, promoting domestic destinations and strengthening industry capacity as the country seeks to attract more international visitors and unlock the economic potential of its tourism sector.

The initiative, backed by a budget of CFA10.39 billion ($18 million), was officially launched on March 9 in Yaoundé by the acting Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Gabriel Mbairobe, alongside senior officials from the ministry and other government agencies.

Authorities say the programme will support tourism infrastructure projects, expand marketing campaigns and promote the “Made in Cameroon” brand across the country’s tourism ecosystem.

Strengthening domestic and inbound tourism
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, a major share of the budget will focus on boosting domestic travel and attracting international tourists. A detailed breakdown presented by Director of General Affairs Abou Hamadou shows that CFA 4.65 billion ($8.1 million) has been allocated to promote domestic tourism nationwide.

Another CFA3.2 billion ($5.6 million) will support inbound tourism initiatives aimed at increasing international arrivals and strengthening Cameroon’s global visibility as a travel destination. The programme also includes financial transfers to local authorities, with CFA1.2 billion ($2.1 million) earmarked for municipalities to support local tourism promotion and community-based initiatives.

Regional administrations will receive an additional CFA300 million (over half a billion dollars) to improve marketing efforts and raise the visibility of tourism opportunities across Cameroon’s diverse regions.

Driving economic value from tourism assets
Launching the programme, Mbairobe said the investment is designed to revitalize Cameroon’s tourism industry while unlocking greater economic value from the country’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage and biodiversity. The initiative aligns with broader government policy aimed at strengthening high-potential sectors capable of generating employment and stimulating economic activity.

The acting minister also called for strict oversight and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to the programme. To accelerate implementation, he instructed that all procurement contracts linked to the tourism projects be launched before April to ensure rapid rollout of initiatives planned for 2026.

The investment forms part of Cameroon’s broader strategy to increase tourism’s contribution to the national economy while improving infrastructure and positioning the country as a more competitive destination within Africa’s growing travel market.