African monument de renaissance

By Nicola Winter

Most of the world’s least developed countries (LDCs) are avoided or overlooked by tourists. However, tourism can make valuable contributions to the economic growth of a country, and many LDC’s have amazing things to offer their visitors. For those who wish to help make a difference in the world, there are great options for adventure and relaxation all while helping a developing country’s economy grow in a sustainable and eco-friendly fashion.

Impact on economic development

The concept of using tourism for economic development is not new in Senegal . In 1973, the government of Senegal funded a program called Campements Ruraux Integrés (CRIs), which gave loans to local villages to build campsites for international visitors and tourists. These sites were run as cooperatives, and the profits were then used to build schools, medical facilities, and other needed infrastructure for the communities who ran them. Though these campsites were very basic, in the peak of their popularity, some 20,000 people used the Campements, and a few are still active today. Along with fishing, tourism is the largest source of foreign currency, and the Senegal ’s Minister of Economy and Finance said in May 2009 “we are committed to the establishment of a tourism, cultural industries and crafts sector as part of the strategy of accelerated economic growth.” The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts that in 2009, tourism will account for 7 percent (US$1,045 million) of gross domestic product (GDP), 5.8 percent (155,000 jobs) of total employment and 15.1 percent (US$440.8 million) of Senegal’s total export earnings. Over the next ten years, GDP contribution from travel and tourism should grow to 7.6 percent (US$1,957 million), and employment resulting from the industry is expected to rise to 6.2 percent. In a tourism ranking of 42 sub-Saharan countries, Senegal was placed 16th in terms of forecast industry growth, and 19th in terms of relative contribution of the tourism industry to its overall GDP. Why you should go.

Music, dancing, beaches, historical sites of the ancient slave trade, and quaint yet vibrant villages. These are just a few of the interesting and cultural assets of Senegal , and some of the reasons it is one of the top destinations in West Africa . With historic colonial architecture, modern buildings, hot nightlife, and open-air markets boasting some of the best shopping around, the capital Dakar is the forefront of modern Africa . This city on the beach also has a variety of water sports and urbanoutdoor activities, such as biking and tennis. About 20 minutes off the coast is the island of Goree , one of the first main outposts in the slave trade. Many of the original buildings still remain and have been turned into museums, exhibiting the fascinating and disturbing aspects of the old slave trade.

Saint Louis, the former capital in the North, has been compared to New Orleans . It was the first French settlement in North Africa , and has retained its historical ambiance, with small cobblestone streets and buildings in the old French style. Also like New Orleans , Saint Louis has a world-class jazz festival each year. Each May, traditional and contemporary musicians from all over the world descend on Saint Louis for four days, creating an unforgettable cultural and musical melting pot. The Saloum Delta Islands are a great place for eco-tourism. This small group of islands is known for its beaches, fishing industry, and huge variety of birds and wildlife.

The Pink Lake (or Lac Rose), North of Dakar is one of the most popular sites for travelers. Due to mineral content, the lake is completely pink. The water is warm and easy to float in because of its high salinity. The surrounding area is home to a baobab forest, traditional local villages, and beaches.