The seaside city of Limbe came alive yesterday as stakeholders across the tourism value chain gathered for the grand opening of the 5th edition of the Cameroon International Tourism Fair (CITF 2026), a flagship event positioning the country as a competitive destination on the global stage.
Held at the iconic Limbe Botanic Garden, the opening ceremony brought together government officials, private sector players, international delegations and cultural groups under the theme “Synergizing Tourism, Culture and Trade.” The fair is organised by Flora Travel and Tour Company Limited in partnership with the Limbe City Council.
In her welcome address, CEO and Vision Bearer of CITF, Agatha Iyok, reflected on the journey of the fair, describing it as a vision birthed five years ago to unite tourism stakeholders and communities for a shared purpose. She emphasised that this year’s theme reflects a strategic approach to leveraging Cameroon’s rich cultural diversity and tourism assets as catalysts for economic transformation.
“Cameroon, often described as Africa in miniature, possesses an extraordinary cultural tapestry and tourism potential that must be harnessed to attract visitors and investors,” she noted, highlighting the fair as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and partnership building.
Iyok also shed light on Limbe’s unique attractions, from its black sandy beaches and the majestic Mount Cameroon to historic sites such as the Bimbia Slave Route. She added that participants would experience a rich blend of culture through performances, artefacts, and gastronomy representing Cameroon’s four major cultural zones.
The opening ceremony also featured a rich display of traditional dance performances by several cultural troupes, offering guests a vibrant introduction to Cameroon’s diverse heritage. The colourful performances, marked by rhythmic drumming, elaborate costumes, and energetic choreography, reflected the unique identities of the country’s cultural zones and set a celebratory tone for the three-day event.
CITF 2026 has drawn participants from across Africa and beyond, including delegations from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, and even Brazil—underscoring the growing international appeal of the fair and the country’s tourism sector.
Officially opening the fair, the Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Gabriel Mbaïrobe, described CITF as a cornerstone of Cameroon’s national strategy to position itself as a premier global destination. He noted that the fair aligns with the broader development agenda of Paul Biya, aimed at driving economic growth through tourism.
Mbaïrobe stressed that the intersection of tourism, culture and trade is central to unlocking new economic opportunities. He highlighted two priority sectors for this year’s edition—gastronomy and the blue economy—both seen as transformative drivers of sustainable development.
“The blue economy goes beyond the simple use of maritime resources. It promotes sustainable management of coastal and oceanic spaces while creating jobs and reducing poverty,” he explained, pointing to Limbe’s coastal advantage as a prime example.
On gastronomy, the Minister revealed that the government is taking steps to protect and promote Cameroon’s culinary heritage globally. He disclosed that 14 traditional dishes have been identified for protection by the World Intellectual Property Organization, with the iconic Ndole already achieving a historic milestone as the first to receive intellectual property protection in 2026.
He further noted ongoing efforts to align local cuisine with international standards, including halal and vegan certifications, to meet evolving global consumer preferences while maintaining authenticity.
The Minister also underscored the importance of digital transformation in tourism promotion, urging stakeholders to leverage new platforms designed to enhance hotel bookings and showcase Cameroon’s hidden gems to a global audience.
As the fair unfolds over three days, participants will engage in panel discussions, exhibitions, cultural showcases, and networking sessions aimed at fostering partnerships and addressing key challenges in sustainable tourism development.
With a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation and cultural pride, CITF 2026 is expected to not only elevate Cameroon’s tourism profile but also reinforce Central Africa’s position as an emerging hub for tourism, trade, and investment.
