In terms of action, what impact does the grouping of culture and tourism within the same ministry have?

Allow me to complete the question by also mentioning the rapprochement between culture and leisure. The Government's action, at many levels, has a cross-cutting nature. But it seems clear that certain sectors complement others, and culture is a source of nourishment for tourism and leisure. As an illustration, I would cite memorial tourism, which uses heritage to help travelers discover a country. Whether we talk about Brazzaville as the former capital of Free France, a city with buildings like the Center for Training and Research in Dramatic Art (CFRAD) and the Case de Gaulle, or Loango as a place of deportation of slaves during the slave trade, the same thing emerges: memory and history serve tourism. The same is true for the arts, another aspect of our cultural vitality. Brazzaville, a UNESCO Creative City, with events like the Pan-African Music Festival (FESPAM), is a showcase of African genius and promotes the Congo as a destination. I'm not even talking about research tourism, which is an additional asset. Researchers like Nicolas Martin-Granel, who studies the work of one of our greatest writers, Sony Labou Tansi, don't hesitate to come to Congo, search for original manuscripts, collect testimonies, and even publish unpublished works. Building on these opportunities, the ministry I lead is placing this interdependence between two previously separate sectors at the heart of its strategic direction and structuring. We have a 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 date for the reopening of the National Museum. As for the CFRAD, it is time for reform and reconstruction. We are not yet at the point of opening its doors.

What opportunities can private investors find in the tourism sector in Congo?

Before discussing opportunities, it is appropriate to recall one of the credos of His Excellency Mr. Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic, Head of State. This credo is peace, with tranquility as a corollary, but also an area of capital investments. The development of tourist infrastructure, for example; in particular, reception centers, the equipment necessary for viewing animals in protected areas in general, and national parks in particular where ecotourism is practiced, the preferred tourism that best adapts to the potential of our country. The development of tourist sites such as waterfalls (Loufoulakari, Béla, Dimani), cascades and numerous caves. The discovery of the primary forests of Mayombe, Chaillu, and Northern Congo through adventure tourism, vision tourism and trekking. The construction of infrastructure and structures related to the tourist offer (access routes, reception centers and other equipment). The digitalization of tourism activities (promotion, marketing, product marketing). The organization of tourism-related events such as fairs, exhibitions, symposiums, festivals, conferences, cultural and sporting events. I can also mention training in tourism professions through the creation of quality structures with a view to improving services in tourism establishments. And, finally, the development of congress tourism with the use, for example, of the Kintélé International Conference Center, the Palais des Congrès or the twin towers of M'Pila.