Speech by Mr. Secuna Baldé, Minister of Tourism and Crafts, Guinea-Bissau

Honorable Representatives of the different institutions and entities here present; Members of Governments; Diplomatic Corps; Representatives of tourist cities; Non-Governmental Organizations; Associations and Companies;

Dear Observers, Participants, and Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I thank the WTCF, through its Executive Director, for the invitation extended to Guinea-Bissau to participate and speak at this World Conference on Tourism, Cooperation, and Development, organized by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF). In my capacity as a representative of the Government of Guinea-Bissau, this constitutes an excellent opportunity to establish cooperation and partnership in the tourism sector with the WTCF and the different entities and partners represented here.

I also take this unique occasion to thank the People's Republic of China for its invaluable contribution to Guinea-Bissau's economic and socio-cultural development process. A strategic partner, a long-time friend country, always present in the different moments of our history, during and after the national liberation struggle, always tirelessly supporting the Government and the people in their aspirations, providing technical and financial support to Guinea-Bissau in the various relevant areas of Sino-Guinean cooperation, including the Tourism sector.

Allow me to praise the relevance of the WTCF (World Tourism Cities Federation) in promoting and developing the tourism sector, especially its aspect of economic, social, and cultural cooperation between the cities and people from different corners of the globe. And, in an unprecedented and exceptional way, how it is leading this process of connecting cities, allowing them to establish themselves autonomously as tourist destinations, mutually supporting each other in the promotion and defense of their tourist products, as active members of the WTCF and not strictly their States or Governments.

Looking at the opportunities that joining the WTCF offers for Guinea-Bissau, namely, the sharing of experiences and information among its members, capacity building, dissemination, promotion, and marketing of its tourist destinations, development of policies and strategies in the tourism sector, research and data access, investment and financing, etc., we believe that our participation in this global initiative, through our cities and public and private actors, will tremendously boost our tourism industry.

At this point, allow me to present my country, a unique tourist destination with enormous unexplored potential. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a West African country that borders Senegal to the north, Guinea-Conakry to the south and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The Guinean territory covers 36,125 km², with an estimated population of 2 million people, according to the last census.

From a tourist perspective, it is a pleasant and welcoming country, full of wonders and diverse natural and cultural riches. The friendliness of our people, combined with the beautiful beaches, paradisiacal islands, cultural heritage, and diversity, are reasons to visit and enjoy this country, divided into a continental and an insular part.

In the insular part, we have the Bijagós Archipelago as our differentiating brand, one of Africa's last jewels, comprised of 88 (eighty-eight) islands, islets, and small islands, with inestimable natural, cultural, landscape, ecological, and environmental wealth and heritage. It is a cradle of life (“bemba di vida”), recognized by UNESCO in 1996 as a World Biosphere Reserve, with three natural parks: Orango Islands, Urok Islands, and João Vieira and Poilão; and recently, since July 2025, classified or elevated to UNESCO Natural World Heritage.

Apart from the insular part, the continental part also offers reasons to visit our country; all seven (7) regions, plus the Autonomous Sector of Bissau, are treasures with inestimable tourist value. Combined with our privileged geographical position, being just a few hours' flight from Europe, it makes our country a highly attractive destination from the point of view of tourism appeal and investment in the sector.

The repositioning or reaffirmation of Guinea-Bissau in the concert of nations, thanks to the unprecedented diplomatic efforts (political and economic diplomacy) of His Excellency the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, coupled with political-governmental stability and his bet on critical infrastructure, through the construction (and refurbishment) of roads, a reference hospital, and a modern international airport, has not only paved the way for Guinea-Bissau's name to be included on world tourist maps but is also driving the revitalization of Guinea-Bissau's tourism sector, with an increase in tourists and investors who are increasingly seeking out our country as a tourist and investment destination.

Before concluding, it is important to emphasize that for the pursuit of the WTCF's main objective – which is to connect cities and people from different countries through tourism – the development and progress of tourist cities is crucial, achieved mainly, and in most cases, through the administrative autonomy of these cities. In this regard, the regional and tourist cities in Guinea-Bissau's 9 (nine) regions, although they are administered directly by the Central Government through directly appointed governors and administrators, I believe this does not prevent them from statutorily being active members of the WTCF and cooperating efficiently with other members, be they tourist cities – regardless of their administrative statutes – non-governmental organizations, associations, or companies. It is worth noting that, in terms of future prospects, His Excellency the President of the Republic has already announced the gradual holding of local elections, starting with the Autonomous Sector of Bissau – as the pilot municipality.

To conclude, I commit before this distinguished Conference to play the role of a bridge and facilitator, in my capacity as Minister of Tourism and Crafts, to connect our cities and our different actors in the tourism sector to the WTCF, disseminate the ideas and purposes of the Organization in the country, and assure our total availability and institutional support for the achievement of its objectives, as well as the investment projects and business of its members, always basing ourselves on our three (3) pillars: the development of a Sustainable, Resilient, and Responsible Tourism, that respects and preserves the natural resources and the cultural identities of our communities.

Finally, I wish, on behalf of the Government of Guinea-Bissau and His Excellency the President of the Republic, General Umaro Sissoco Embaló, to thank the invitation extended by the Executive Director of the World Tourism Cities Federation, Mr. Chen Bo, for the hospitality and excellent organization of this conference, and to congratulate all the participants in the delegations from four continents.

Thank you very much.