**Discovering the tourist treasures of the Democratic Republic of Congo**
The Democratic Republic of Congo, a country of undeniable natural and cultural wealth, has significant, yet underexploited, tourism potential. Despite its diversity, the tourism sector contributes only 1% to the country’s GDP, a proportion that reveals a real challenge for development and enhancement.
The Minister of Tourism, Didier Pambwa, recently stressed during a press briefing the importance of boosting this sector. The figures presented demonstrate the efforts needed to maximize the economic benefits of tourism in the DRC. The Tourism Promotion Fund is struggling to collect substantial sums, and the low compliance rate of those subject to fees favors the need for regulation and modernization of the systems in place.
The reforms announced by the Minister aim to simplify visa procedures, a step forward that should encourage the arrival of foreign travelers in the DRC. The transition to the electronic visa from 2025 demonstrates a desire to facilitate administrative procedures and make the country more attractive on the international scene.
The Tourism Week that recently opened at the Palais du Peuple is of particular importance. This initiative aims to restore the image of the DRC and highlight its natural, cultural and tourist assets. The creation of the brand “DRC, heart of Africa” illustrates the desire to reposition the country as a must-see destination in Africa, rich in its biodiversity and natural resources.
The tourism sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo is certainly a growth lever with high potential. The implementation of structural reforms, the adaptation of national policies and the promotion of the country’s assets are all avenues to explore to allow Congolese tourism to flourish and contribute significantly to the national economy. The challenges are numerous, but the potential is immense, and the DRC is full of treasures just waiting to be discovered.