Patrimoine, tourisme et développement à l’Est-Cameroun (1980-2010)

Abstract

Patrimony and tourism are proven to be factors that can enhance development. However, if both are not set in the right way, they cannot contribute, in a given region, to improve the living conditions of populations. East-Cameroon holds an amazing diversity of natural and cultural resources that can stimulate tourism. Although the region receives each year domestic and foreign tourists, its population cannot profit fromdirect, indirect and induced effects that could have done a properly conducted tourism. This article investigates, in a historical perspective (1980-2010) the reasons why, despite its numerous resources, tourism and development in East-Cameroon are not in the right path. From data collected, (written, oral, visual, electronic…) and also from personal observation, one can remark that tourism was not the priority in East-Cameroon. The priority has been given to mining and forestry. But, instead of developing the region, these two sectors have hypothecated its future.