IFTM Top Résa, the prestigious international tourism fair, opened its doors in Paris today. This major event brings together players in the tourism sector from around the world to discuss new trends and development opportunities. Among the remarkable initiatives that emerged within the framework of the public policy incubator “I am committed to Africa”, around twenty young Africans worked for several months on proposals aimed at improving the quality of life and develop secondary cities in Africa. Among the projects highlighted, it is the town of Aného in Togo which has focused the attention of these young innovators.
Located just 50 kilometers from the capital Lomé, Aného is a coastal town offering idyllic landscapes made up of coconut trees and a magnificent nature reserve on the shores of Lake Togo. Despite its obvious tourist potential, the city suffers from a high unemployment rate, which limits its tourist development. The young Africans who worked on this project therefore proposed the creation of a training center for hospitality professions, with an emphasis on the hotel and catering industry. This initiative would help close the skills gap in these areas and provide new employment opportunities for young people in the region.
According to Marlène Békalé, public affairs consultant and resident of the “I’m committed to Africa” program, Aného has enormous potential both culturally and naturally. She highlights the importance of creating a solid link between local resources and economic development to make the city a true tourist destination. Kevin N’Chanda, another public affairs consultant participating in the project, adds that “a city is not born touristy, it becomes one.” The creation of this training center would help develop the tourist appeal of Aného and promote its local heritage.
In addition to economic development issues, Aného residents also have to face a crucial challenge: rising water levels. Indeed, coastal development work, carried out a few years ago, made it possible to revive tourist activity in the region. However, this dynamic is threatened by rising sea levels. Marlène Békalé sees in the creation of this training center an opportunity to extend the tourism dynamic by raising awareness among local stakeholders of the importance of preserving the environment. and encouraging the implementation of coastal protection measures.
Togo has made tourism one of the key sectors of its future development, with the ambitious goal of reaching 1 million visitors by 2021. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the country is determined to revive its tourism industry and attract new travelers. Thus, initiatives such as the creation of a training center in Aného could play a key role in the growth of local tourism. By developing skills and promoting the natural and cultural assets of the region, Togo is embarking on the path to sustainable and promising tourism development.