Hiiraan Online
Sunday, February 14, 2016
MOGADISHU (HOL) – Despite facing mounting challenges including violence and insecurity, Somalia which is recovering from decades of a crippling conflict unveiled a new plan which aims to revive its shattered tourism industry.
The tourism sector once considered as one of the country’s top revenue sources had ceased to exist in 1990s after warlords overthrew the central government led by the late president Siad Barre, plunging the horn of Africa nation into one of the world’s deadliest and longest conflict.
Tourists have since fled the country which was later ranked as the world’s most dangerous country in the world before it lost that label to Syria where coalition of opposition forces and Jihadist group are fighting to overthrow the Syrian government.
However, the ouster of militants from the capital and surrounding regions had created a hope for the Somali government which says it intents to restore the industry; with the seaside capital Mogadishu handpicked as the primary tourist destination.
“Having built many hotels in the city, our current plan is to restore the money-spinning tourism industry which is also a vital revenue source for many countries.” said Mohamud Abdi Bekos, Somalia’s state minister for information, culture and tourism at a press conference in Nairobi Saturday.
As parts of the its first course of action, the government tried to seek Kenya’s assistance in restoring the tourism sector with Mr. Bekos met with Kenya’s tourism minister Najib Balala for an input.
“We have discussed about the wildlife and tourism’s act – Kenya has also agreed to assist us in creating those regulations.” He said.
Somalia had the first time passed a law on fauna (Hunting) and Forest Conservation In 1969 which defined and provided for the establishment of controlled areas, game reserves and partial game reserves. It was later amended in 1978.
Somalia’s capital had started to experience a gradual renaissance after the ouster of Al Shabab fighters in 2012. Local businessmen and returning Somali expatriates built and opened up a number of new hotels and guest houses, mainly catering to other Somalis as well as some Westerners. Newly constructed beachside resorts also accommodated the city's elites.
However, Al Shabab which lost key strongholds to the allied forces in Somalia remains a potent threat. The group which still controls large areas in south and central Somalia continues deadly guerrilla attacks including bombings and assassinations across the country.