“ A handful of pebbles that God threw into a corner after creating the world “. This is how Djiboutians are used to describe their country. Djibouti is smaller than Brittany (23180 km2:) occupies a strategic position in the Horn of Africa with its outlet to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait (30 km), which separates the African Peninsula from the Arabian Peninsula (Yemen), the Red Sea from the Indian Ocean.
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Stable, the country knows none of the political and war storms experienced by its neighbors (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen). “ We have a safe microclimate that relaxes tourists, welcomes Ayid Mousaid Yahya, Ambassador to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO. In 2021, we received 114,102 tourists, including 38% French, 29% European and 8% American. Our goal for 2035 is to attract 500,000. This sector creates jobs. It represents 3% of our annual GDP (€2,850 million) and it is our wish to make it 15% by 2035. “.
Towards sustainable tourism
In contrast, the terrain of Djibouti combines plains, plateaus, mountain ranges (2028 m), beaches, mangroves, islands and islets that tempt both backpackers and those who love their comfort.We have two luxury hotels: the Palace Kempinski with pool and spa, opened in 2006, and the Sheraton, opened in 1981 and renovated in 1999. says the Minister of Trade and Tourism Mohamed Warsama Diriye. A proposal that is clearly intended to be expanded, but controlled by environmental management concerns.»
The leaders of the country do not want to start riots, as happened in Cancun (Mexico), Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) or Costa Brava in Spain. “ We are a young country, independent since June 1977 and we learn from the mistakes of others. receives the ambassador diplomatically. We will work for environmentally sustainable tourism, but also ethically responsible “. To meet the 2035-2050 tourism targets, hotels will be built with special materials so they don’t become heat sinks that then need to be cooled with energy-consuming air conditioning.
Marine biodiversity is preserved
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The country has a treasure in Tadjura Bay, where dozens of whale sharks gather from mid-October to the end of January, attracted by plankton. The largest fish, like sharks, belong to the cartilaginous family (without a skeleton). With its unmistakable checkered blue mass, this gentle giant (14-15m) is often seen in the bay swimming close to the surface with its mouth open to filter microscopic plankton or fish no smaller than 2cm. Ecotourism has clearly evolved to view this gathering; “but with specific ruleshits Osman Abdi Mohamed, director general of the National Tourism Office.Boats in the area must be accredited and must not be more than five at the same time, the approach of animals is subject to international regulations (motors: 2 knots 50 m, 6 knots: 150 m…)”.
Finally, Djibouti is a country well known for scuba diving. “The Seven Brothers Archipelago is accessible by diving cruise shipexplains Gérard Carnot, director of the specialized tour operator Ultramarina. It is a noisy and fishy coral zone, reserved for experienced divers, with strong currents, synonymous with unforgettable encounters with pelagic species, tuna, barracuda, sharks, manta rays. In navigationAlso, Tajura Bay is more peaceful, visibility is sometimes reduced due to the presence of plankton. It’s a niche market, but we’re sending more and more divers there from 2019.”
Djibouti is also home to a famous place like only one other in the world: Iceland, on the Silfra Seismic Fault, with the Eurasian Plate on one side and the American Plate on the other. The Strait of Ghoubet Al-Kharab in Djibouti is the meeting point of two tectonic plates, the African and Arabian plates. A giant rift full of caves, tunnels and cavities full of fauna.
Source: Le Figaro
I’m Ashley Mark, a news website author for Buna Times. I specialize in writing articles about current trends and breaking news stories. With my passion for uncovering the truth behind every story, I strive to bring readers the most up-to-date information available.