(3 minutes read)
- The regional authorities of Niger decided on October 1, 2021 to close three sites of tourist attractions in Niamey, the capital city of the country
- This was following reports of terrorist’s attack. Recently, the authorities have relaxed the rules to attract tourists, which almost dried out after Covid-19 pandemic
- The destinations which were closed included Eheket Desert Safari Camp, a site located on sand dunes a few miles from the Niger River on the right bank.
The regional authorities of Niger decided on October 1, 2021 to close three sites of tourist attractions in Niamey, the capital city of the country. This was following reports of terrorist’s attack. Recently, the authorities have relaxed the rules to attract tourists, which almost dried out after Covid-19 pandemic. The destinations which were closed included Eheket Desert Safari Camp, a site located on sand dunes a few miles from the Niger River on the right bank.
This camp was one of the tourist attractions and received during weekends at least 500 people day and night which provided a direct employment of 50 people and more than 100 indirectly. Those who dependant on the tourism for their livelihood have been affected severely, be they workers in hotels and restaurants or tour operators or owners of hotels.
Kanazi resort which is on the banks of the Niger river has also been closed at the instructions of the authorities. The site has been frequented mainly by expatriate workers. Several workers are protesting against the closure. They maintain that instead of closure, authorities should have increased security to protect leisure seekers. The trigger was that last August eight tourists were killed in a suspected militant ambush in Niger’s southwest. Six French aid workers were among the victims.
The owners of the leisure parks, which were hit hard, are preparing to challenge the governor’s order in court and are intending to contest the decision in court.
