South Sudan, one of the world’s least-visited countries, is intent on stimulating tourism, despite post-conflict struggles and political instability. The country has experienced various periods of political upheaval and violence since gaining independence in 2011.
According to a World Bank report, tourism contributed just 1.8% to the country’s GDP in 2013, with the World Travel and Tourism Council predicting that this will rise to 4.1% in 2024. However, the lack of tourist infrastructure, inadequate air access and safety and security issues have severely hampered the industry.
South Sudan’s Minister of Tourism, Rizig Zackaria Hassen, sought to promote the country’s tourism offerings alongside those of the East African Community’s more developed destinations at the East African Regional Tourism Expo in Nairobi. Hassen particularly lamented long-standing international advisories warning against travel to the region.
“We cannot let the international community create…