Tourism

As oil output declines, the government is looking to encourage growth in the tourism sector, with the aim of developing high-end and luxury ecotourism under the rubric of the Green Gabon strategy for sustainable development.

In spite of the country’s wealth of natural attractions, Gabon’s tourism industry has remained small in both absolute terms and the contribution it makes to the local economy. Between 2006 and 2011 some 100,000 visitors arrived in Gabon, with France ranking as the highest visitor market at around 35% of arrivals. Tourism made up 1.2% of Gabon’s GDP in 2013, but the government anticipated the sector’s contribution will grow 9.5% in 2014, and an annual average of 7.3% through 2024. The sector is set to expand in coming years, pushing up its contribution to GDP.