Cote d'Ivoire tourism attracts $5bn from Arab investors

Cote d'Ivoire (also referred to as Ivory Coast) says Arab investors have pledged $5 billion to support its programme to attract foreign tourists. The West African nation’s charm offensive in the United Arab Emirates included a delegation with retired footballer Didier Drogba and A'Salfo, a lead singer with the pop group Magic System. 

The initiative, named "Sublime Cote d'Ivoire" (Magnificent Ivory Coast), was launched last May. 

"Our goal is to become the fifth biggest destination for tourism in Africa by 2025," Minister for tourism and leisure Siandou Fofana was quoted as saying by AFP.

Cote d'Ivoire’s objective is for tourism to account for 12% of GDP compared with the current 5.5%. The country’s economy is currently dependent on rural earnings, particularly cacao and coffee. The remote western Cote d'Ivoire has unspoiled mountains and beaches.