Tourism Minister Inspects Visitor Services at Mogadishu Airport

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Information, Culture and Tourism minister Abdulfatah Qasim Mahmoud, has inspected services for international visitors at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu as the government seeks to improve the country’s tourism infrastructure.

During a visit to the airport on Saturday, the minister toured areas involved in receiving international passengers and providing services to visitors arriving in Somalia.

The ministry said the visit was intended to assess the quality of services at the airport and identify areas that could support efforts to make travel and the arrival experience easier for international visitors.

Abdulfatah Qasim also met Murat Desket, manager of FAVORI LLC, who briefed him on airport services and improvements made to facilitate international travel and passenger reception.

The minister praised the progress made at the airport and highlighted its importance to Somalia’s tourism ambitions, given that it is the country’s main international gateway.

Somalia has been trying to develop tourism as part of broader efforts to diversify its economy and attract investment. The country has a long coastline along the Indian Ocean, as well as historic towns, cultural sites and marine resources, although insecurity and limited infrastructure have traditionally constrained the sector.

The tourism industry also faces the challenge of changing perceptions of Somalia abroad. Years of conflict, militant attacks and political instability have made the country an unusual destination for international travellers, despite improvements in security in parts of the country.

The government has in recent years sought to promote Somalia’s cultural heritage and tourism potential, while also working to improve infrastructure and international connectivity.

For visitors, however, the experience at the country’s main airport is only one part of the wider tourism environment. Reliable transport, accommodation, security, visa arrangements and access to tourist sites will all influence whether Somalia can turn its natural and cultural attractions into a significant tourism industry.

The Information Ministry said it was working to strengthen services for tourists and accelerate the development of the sector.

It did not provide details of specific new measures or investment plans arising from the minister’s inspection.