Côte d’Ivoire highlights ambitious tourism growth at WTM London 2026

Côte d’Ivoire is strengthening its appeal as a travel destination through the national “Sublime Côte d’Ivoire” strategy, led by Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism and Leisure.

With the support of Her Excellency Sara Amani, Ivorian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, the Tourism and Leisure Office for the United Kingdom and Ireland, headed by Mrs Djenebou Komah, will showcase the destination at WTM London from 3 to 5 November 2026. Returning to WTM for a second year and marking the third anniversary of the opening of its London tourism office, Côte d’Ivoire will highlight its latest hospitality developments, culture and ecotourism.

Nature is central to this discovery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taï National Park protects one of West Africa’s last major areas of primary tropical forest and is home to chimpanzees. Guided forest experiences and encounters with local communities make ecotourism a key part of the offer being promoted to the UK and Irish markets.

The destination will be on stand S6-619, where Djenebou Komah will be joined by Côte d’Ivoirian artist Ibn Cheick Sallah and Frédérique Gueï, founder of Ivorian cashew-based food brand SOST.

New tourism investment

Côte d’Ivoire continues to expand its tourism sector, with new international hotel developments and investment in destinations beyond Abidjan. Upcoming openings include the four-star Ascott Riviera Golf Abidjan, while a new 16-storey hotel with more than 200 rooms is nearing completion in Abidjan’s Bietry district. 

Investment is also supporting the development of Yamoussoukro as a cultural and religious tourism destination, San Pedro for coastal tourism, and Man for nature and eco-tourism.

The country’s growing cultural calendar is another key focus, with events including FEMUA, the Festival des Musiques Urbaines d’Anoumabo, and the Akwaba African Diaspora Festival helping to attract international visitors and the African diaspora.

Djenebou Komah, Head of the Tourism and Leisure Office of Côte d’Ivoire for the UK and Ireland, said: “The Sublime Côte d’Ivoire initiative is our national strategy to position Côte d’Ivoire among Africa’s leading tourism destinations. By focusing on infrastructure modernisation, environmental sustainability and our rich cultural heritage, we aim to showcase the vibrant spirit of the Ivorian people to the world. I look forward to discussing new opportunities with the media and travel trade at WTM 2026.”

Meet Côte d’Ivoire at WTM

Visitors can meet the Côte d’Ivoire team on stand S6-619, with coffee and tastings of Ivorian chocolate and cashews available each day. The destination will also host a Côte d’Ivoirian apéro on Wednesday 4 November from 5–6pm.