Djibouti Is Surging The Tourism Industry With New Visa Free Travel Policy For 15 countries, Including Singapore, Senegal and Hong Kong – Travel And Tour World

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Djibouti is a small, strategically located country on the northeast coast of the Horn of Africa, situated on the Bab el Mandeb Strait, which separates the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden. Formerly known as French Somaliland (1896–1967) and the French Territory of the Afars and Issas (1967–77), it gained independence from France on June 27, 1977, and adopted the name Djibouti.

The country’s capital, Djibouti City, is built on coral reefs at the southern entrance of the gulf. Other significant towns include Obock, Tadjoura, Ali Sabieh, Arta, and Dikhil. Djibouti has a multiparty republic form of government with a National Assembly comprising 65 members.

Visa-Free Countries for Djibouti Citizens

Africa

Asia

• Hong Kong
• Philippines
• Singapore

Americas

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominica
• Ecuador
• Haiti
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Oceania

• Cook Islands
• Micronesia
• Niue

The countries whose citizens visit Djibouti the most include France, due to historical ties and the presence of a significant French community and military base; the United States, owing to military operations in the region; Ethiopia, as a neighboring country with strong economic and transport connections; and China, driven by business interests and infrastructure investments.

Business Conference Centres in Djibouti

• Sheraton Djibouti
• Djibouti Palace Kempinski

GDP of Djibouti

Economic activity in Djibouti experienced a significant boost in 2023, with GDP growth reaching an estimated 7.3%, up from 3.7% in 2022. This growth was predominantly fueled by the trade and transport sectors. Services continued to dominate the economy, contributing around 85% of GDP in 2023, followed by industry at 14% and agriculture at 1%. Notably, inflation dropped from 5.2% in 2022 to 1.3% in 2023, largely due to a decrease in global food prices.

Top Hotels in Djibouti

• Djibouti Palace Kempinski: A luxurious hotel featuring private beaches, outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and upscale dining options.
• Ras Dika Hotel: Known for its central location, offering comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere, ideal for business and leisure travelers.
• Atlantic Hotel: Offers modern accommodations with excellent service, centrally located for convenient access to local attractions.
• Sheraton Djibouti: Features comfortable rooms, a pool, and dining options, providing easy access to key city attractions.
• Red Sea Hotel Apartment: Provides spacious, well-furnished apartments suitable for longer stays, with a focus on comfort and convenience.

Top Tourist Attractions in Djibouti

• Lake Assal: A striking salt lake located in a volcanic crater, known for its high salinity and breathtaking landscapes.
• Day Forest National Park: A lush area ideal for hiking, home to diverse wildlife and unique plant species.
• Red Sea Beaches: Renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
• Gulf of Tadjoura: A picturesque bay located in Djibouti, known for its clear blue waters, rich marine biodiversity, and stunning landscapes. The gulf is framed by rugged mountains and is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
• Sira Castle: An ancient fortress situated near the Gulf of Tadjoura in Djibouti. Sira Castle offers a glimpse into the region’s historical significance and architectural heritage, standing as a testament to the area’s rich cultural past.

Festivals of Djibouti

• Independence Day: Celebrated on June 27th, marking Djibouti’s independence from France in 1977, with parades, cultural performances, and fireworks.
• New Year’s Day: Observed on January 1st, featuring family gatherings, feasts, and fireworks to welcome the new year.
• Fest’Horn: An annual music festival showcasing artists from the Horn of Africa, featuring traditional and contemporary music performances.
• Ramadan: A holy month for Muslims, involving fasting, prayer, and reflection, culminating in Eid al-Fitr with communal prayers and feasts.

Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport

Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB) is the main international airport serving Djibouti. Located about 6 kilometers from Djibouti City, it is the primary gateway for both international and domestic flights. The airport accommodates various airlines, offering connections to destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Equipped with modern facilities, it serves as a key hub for travel and commerce in the region.

Airlines Operating in Djibouti

Improving the Tourism Sector in Djibouti

In 2021, Djibouti welcomed approximately 114,000 tourists, a significant increase from around 63,000 in 2013. According to government figures, 38% of these tourists were from France, 29% from other European countries, and 8% from the US. Visitor spending reached $57 million in 2018, up from $32 million in 2017. Business travelers accounted for about 98% of arrivals, driven by Djibouti’s trade links and construction projects. Additionally, friends and family of military personnel stationed in Djibouti City form a significant portion of tourists. Djibouti hosts military bases from China, France, Italy, Japan, and the US, with most military personnel and visitors staying in the capital.

Air Links

Despite being a major maritime trading hub, Djibouti currently has limited air connectivity. The government is promoting new air routes from Europe to enhance access. Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport, the largest in the country, is situated about 5 km south of Djibouti City and offers flights to 10 destinations, including Ethiopia, France, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the UAE, Yemen, and Egypt. Under Djibouti Vision 2035, the government plans to build two new international airports near Djibouti City and the Seven Brother Islands to establish the country as a key regional air transport center.

International Acknowledgment of Djibouti’s Tourism Potential

Djibouti City was named the World Capital of Culture and Tourism by the European Council on Tourism and Trade, highlighting the country as a global tourism destination. This recognition followed the European Academy of Tourism’s March 2018 designation of President Ismail Omar Guelleh as a World Leader of Tourism, an honor given to leaders who prioritize tourism in national policies and promote cultural development for meaningful progress.