Guinea-Bissau explores synergies between tourism and telecommunications for sustainable development

The Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts of Guinea-Bissau, Alberto Demba Turé, has met with the CEO of Telecel Guinea-Bissau, Walid Akkaoui. The meeting, held at the Minister’s office, focused on exploring strategic partnerships between the tourism and telecommunications sectors to enhance the country’s global visibility and economic growth. 

During the discussions, Minister Turé highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to promote Guinea-Bissau’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential. “Our goal is to position Guinea-Bissau as a premier tourist destination in the region and beyond,” he stated. The Minister emphasized initiatives aimed at showcasing the country’s unique traditions, handicrafts, and natural beauty to international markets, thereby boosting tourism revenue and creating opportunities for local communities. 

In response, Mr. Walid Akkaoui shared Telecel’s vision for Guinea-Bissau, which centers on innovation, network expansion, and the delivery of high-quality telecommunications services. He expressed the company’s commitment to supporting the government’s tourism agenda by leveraging technology to enhance visitor experiences and promote the country as a tourist destination. 

“We believe that a robust telecommunications infrastructure is essential for the growth of the tourism sector,” said Mr. Akkaoui. “By improving connectivity and digital services, we can help attract more tourists and provide them with seamless access to information and services during their stay in Guinea-Bissau.” 

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving sustainable development. By combining the strengths of tourism and telecommunications, Guinea-Bissau aims to create a synergistic ecosystem that not only boosts economic growth but also enhances the quality of life for its citizens. 

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the reaffirmation of Telecel’s  willingness to partner with the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts in promoting Guinea-Bissau as a reference destination. This partnership could include initiatives such as digital marketing campaigns, the development of tourism-focused mobile applications, and the deployment of high-speed internet in key tourist areas. 

The collaboration between the Ministry and Telecel reflects Guinea-Bissau’s broader commitment to leveraging innovation and technology for national development. As the country continues to invest in its tourism and telecommunications sectors, it is poised to attract more visitors, investors, and global attention. 

By: Kanto Kai Okanta