A Meeting on the Challenges Facing Somaliland’s Tourism Sector and Potential Solutions Held at Hargeisa University
April 29, 2025 2025-05-02 20:23A Meeting on the Challenges Facing Somaliland’s Tourism Sector and Potential Solutions Held at Hargeisa University
A Meeting on the Challenges Facing Somaliland’s Tourism Sector and Potential Solutions Held at Hargeisa University
An important meeting attended by officials from the tourism department of the Ministry of Trade and Tourism, members of the university administration, and faculty members took place at Hargeisa University. The meeting included a presentation by Prof. Dr. Jaume Guia, a tourism expert specializing in the field and affiliated with the University of Girona in Spain. His presentation focused on the challenges facing Somaliland’s tourism sector and potential solutions, drawing comparisons with other developing countries that have successfully advanced their tourism industries.
At the end of the meeting, officials from the ministry, including the Director of the Tourism and Archeology Department, Mr. Aidarus Abdi Ismail, the heads of tourism and archeology sections, and tourism development expert at the Ministry presented the ministry’s plans for tourism development. They highlighted that they are currently finalizing a three-year strategic plan for tourism management, as well as the national tourism policy.
University administration representatives, including the Director of communications, Mr. Ali Mire, Umulkheyr Abdi, the university’s Quality Assurance Coordinator, and lecturer Nasir Elabe, a permanent faculty member in the Colleges of Business and Economics as well as SGS, shared with the Ministry of Trade and Tourism their plans to introduce a higher education program in Tourism and Hospitality Management. The university has now begun assessing the demand for this specialized field and the appropriate academic level for its implementation.
The meeting concluded with key recommendations that could help Somaliland improve its tourism sector and generate significant revenue. These included:
1. Promoting Somaliland’s Peace to the International Community – Encouraging tourists to visit by showcasing Somaliland’s peace and stability, which distinguish it from neighboring countries.
2. Investment in Tourism Infrastructure – The government should seek funding to develop tourist sites and facilities, making them easily accessible and modernized to meet international and domestic tourism standards.
3. Preserving Somaliland’s Heritage – Protecting ancient heritage sites and raising public awareness about their importance.
4. Enhancing Professional Expertise – Providing advanced training for tourism and hospitality professionals to ensure they are well-equipped with knowledge and skills in tourism management and quality service delivery.
The meeting, which followed a previous discussion held yesterday with the minister of trades and tourism Hon. Abdirahman Hassan ended on a positive note.
