This month, the World Tourism Day will be celebrated on September the 30th.There will be an opening in Quinhamel, Guinea-Bissau, in the Complex “7 Djorson”, a socially responsible way of thinking about tourism.
The idea was to boost the local economy, sustainably and in balance with nature and the majority of the ethnic culture of the area. The result: a socially responsible tourism product, implemented and managed locally. The space is called 7 Djorson and has created new employment opportunities for the population, stimulating sustainable economic initiatives, such as handicrafts and local businesses.
Tourism is recognised globally as a strategic sector for the promotion of changes and opportunities. Called the “peace industry”, it has the ability to leverage long-term development, valuing local cultures. This year, the World Tourism Day is dedicated to the Sept. 27 issue of cultural interaction – a sign of appreciation of tourism as a cultural and social sponsor on a global scale. But tourism can also be a threat – to the social cohesion of local people, its culture, natural environment and capacity development.
For this reason, under the Project Ontunlan N’do Botor, IMVF and the Artissal developed an innovative tourism product – the complex 7 Djorson – giving local people the responsibility for all project phases: planning, operation, supervision and development of local tourism. This guarantees that the tourism industry will work in full compliance with the development needs and local ways of life.
Located about twenty minutes from Bissau, the Quinhamel sector is an area of diversity, tradition and ancestry. The ethnic majority community (74% of total population) lives in total dependence of nature and renewable natural resources from which they ensure their survival and build their way of life.
In this context, the new tourist concept proves to be a viable alternative to traditional tourism, better able to reconcile the value of traditions and local ways of life with the production of economic and social benefits, contributing more than effectively to socio-economic growth and the fight against poverty in rural areas, diversifying sources of income for the population.
Targeting segments of alternative tourism, the complex has lodging for travellers, a restaurant, museum and related activities such as trips to the areas of natural scenery, visit to nearby ?tabancas? and contact with communities, seeking to provide the responsible tourist with a close interaction and awakening curiosity about difference, novelty, cultural intertwining and fostering mutual respect.
Soon more news about the 7 Djorson resort. For now follow the updates on Facebook.
IMVF developed its first experience in the region of Tombali – Bedanda and Cacine sectors – through the project U’anan, with which they managed to successfully integrate the business of eco-tourism in a nature reserve of the Forest of Cantanhez, enhancing the human, social, cultural and economic development and sustainability of the region.
Tips to be a responsible traveller:
– Inform yourself! Before travelling, know the rules and laws in force in the country
– Prepare yourself! Take time to understand the customs, norms and traditions of the place where you travel
– Be tolerant and respectful of diversity
– Respect human rights
– Help preserve the environment
– Embrace the culture and local traditions! Although different from yours they can provide unforgettable experiences!
– If you want to bring memories, remember that your visit can contribute to economic development in the region – choose to buy local crafts and products.
The project received technical support from the School of Tourism and the Sea of Peniche Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria.