Gov’t earmarks 1.2 billion to develop tourist sites.

The development was made known at the National Assembly by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute. 

This was during a plenary sitting on November 26, while presenting the 2026 economic and social programme of government.

The Head of Government said among key areas of focus in government’s programme will be that touching on tourism-leisure sector.

He said key priorities are the creation and financing of leisure infrastructure such as a Yaounde amusement park, a thalassotherapy centre in Kribi, and a holiday complex in Buea.

According to figures recently released by the tourism ministry, the country currently counts 930 recognised tourist sites, spanning natural wonders and man-made attractions. 

Yet the sector contributes only 4.1% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, and accounts for about 15% of employment, direct and indirect.

In a strategy launched in September 2025, the government, in partnership with state telecom operator and private firms, aims to leverage digitalisation to raise tourist numbers, targeting 500,000 visitors annually through improved online visibility and easier booking of nearly 900 sites.

Under earlier baseline data, the hotels and restaurants sub-sector recorded growth with an increase in value-added, and the number of classified accommodation establishments rose. In 2023 there were 1,394 such establishments, up from 1,282 in 2022. 

However, experts reveal that improving tourism or tourist sites in the country goes beyond finances. Improving tourist sites must be accompanied by efforts in transport infrastructure, lodging, and overall attractiveness to international visitors. 

As recent analyses by industry watchers note, the lack of reliable roads, bus or rail links, affordable transport and hotel rooms in many regions severely hampers the ability to transform natural or cultural attractions into viable tourist destinations.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3645 of Thursday December 04, 2025