Interview with Lydie Pongault, Minister of Cultural, Tourism, Artistic and Leisure Industries since September 24, 2022. She previously held the position of Advisor, Head of the Department of Culture, Arts and Tourism at the Presidency since 2013.
In terms of action, what impact does the merging of culture and tourism within the same ministry have?
Allow me to elaborate on the question by also mentioning the connection between culture and leisure. The Government's actions, at many levels, are cross-cutting. But it is clear that certain sectors complement others, and culture is a driving force behind tourism and leisure. For example, I would cite heritage tourism, which uses heritage to help travelers discover a country. Whether we speak of Brazzaville as the former capital of Free France, a city boasting buildings such as the Center for Training and Research in Dramatic Arts (CFRAD) and the Case de Gaulle, or of Loango as a place of deportation for slaves during the transatlantic slave trade, the same thing emerges: memory and history serve tourism. The same is true for the arts, another facet of our cultural vitality. Brazzaville, a UNESCO Creative City, with events like the Pan-African Music Festival (FESPAM), is a showcase of African ingenuity and promotes the Congo as a tourist destination. And that's not even mentioning research tourism, which is an additional asset. Researchers like Nicolas Martin-Granel, dedicated to the work of one of our greatest writers, Sony Labou Tansi, don't hesitate to travel to the Congo to search for original manuscripts, gather testimonies, and even publish unpublished works. Capitalizing on these opportunities, the ministry I lead places this interdependence between two sectors that were once separate at the heart of its strategic direction and structure. We have a real gem in our hands.
When will the National Museum and the Centre for Research and Training in Dramatic Arts (Cfrad) reopen?
For administrative and structural reasons, we cannot yet announce the exact reopening date of the National Museum. As for the CFRAD, it is currently undergoing reform and reconstruction. We are not yet ready to open its doors.
What opportunities can private investors find in the tourism sector in Congo?
Before discussing opportunities, it is important to recall one of the core beliefs of His Excellency Mr. Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic and Head of State. This belief is peace, with its corollary of tranquility, but also a sector for capital investment. This includes the development of tourism infrastructure, for example; particularly accommodations and the necessary equipment for viewing animals in protected areas in general, and national parks in particular, where ecotourism is practiced—a preferred form of tourism that best suits our country's potential. It also includes the development of tourist sites such as waterfalls (Loufoulakari, Béla, Dimani), cascades, and numerous caves. Furthermore, it encompasses the exploration of the primary forests of Mayombe, Chaillu, and Northern Congo through adventure tourism, wildlife viewing, and trekking. Finally, it includes the construction of infrastructure and structures related to tourism offerings (access roads, accommodations, and other facilities). The digitization of tourism activities (promotion, marketing, and product sales). The organization of tourism-related events such as fairs, exhibitions, symposiums, festivals, conferences, and cultural and sporting events. I can also mention training in tourism professions through the creation of quality structures aimed at improving services in tourism establishments. And finally, the development of conference tourism with the use of, for example, the Kintélé International Conference Center, the Palais des Congrès (Congress Palace), or the twin towers of M'Pila.