The Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Bello Bouba Maigari has pledged his continuous support to the International Tourism Fair.
The Tourism boss made the pledge during the fair which took place recently in Limbe, South West region.
Minister Bello Bouba attended the opening and closing ceremony of the event on November 1 and 4 respectively, as he was accompanied by a delegation of administrators from the South West region.
During the closing ceremony, the Minister expressed appreciation to the Governor of the South West Region, Okalia Bilai, the promoter of the International Fair, and the Lord Mayor of the City of Limbe for making the Fair a success.
“I can assure you of my sincere readiness to give you technical support, because of your commitment to foster the growth of our sector,” the Minister of Tourism and Leisure promised.
The international festival which was officially launched on October 28, featured a a sports caravan at the Limbe community field. However the festivities proper too place November 1 to 4.
On November 1, the Fair kick-started with a familiarization trip and then there was an opening ceremony at the Botanic Garden in Limbe, the following day. The opening ceremony was also characterised by various presentations from the City Mayor, the event promoter, and the keynote speaker.
There was also a workshop on November 2, held under the theme “Unlocking the Potentials: Culture and Tourism Development in the 21st Century”. The workshop had as panelists representatives of chiefs, representatives of university students and Tourism stakeholders.
“I’m very grateful for what has happened here. I wish to thank the Minister of Tourism and Leisure, His Excellency Bello Bouba for having spiced this event today… it’s been a while since we had him visit South West. Having seen what he has done today, I think the International Tourism Fair is going places,” said Agatha Tongzok Forsac Iyok, promoter of the International Tourism Fair and Chief Executive Officer of Flora Travel and Tours.
He equally beckoned on the City Mayor, Paul Efome, to continually assist the promoter of the International festival.
To Agatha Iyok, the presence of the Minister at the ceremony was an indication that “He has taken it at heart and he will make sure that the event goes to another level. Just the fact that he is here and that he has taken it seriously, others will also take it seriously,” she said.
During the fair there was also the exhibition of various Cameroon-made products and artefacts which displayed the country’s rich culture and tradition. Toghu wears, traditional meals, locally made pots, and kitchen utensils among others were exhibited.