Guinea, land of wonders: when Mamaya lights up the future of Guinean tourism!
- Eric ALAUZEN
- May 30
- 3 min read
The Republic of Guinea, cradle of ancient cultures, is rolling out an ambitious strategy to establish itself as a major tourist destination in West Africa. Led by committed figures such as the President of the Republic, General Mamadi DOUMBOUYA, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Handicrafts, Mr Moïse Moussa SYLLA, and the dynamic Director General of the National Tourism Office, Ms Kade CAMARA, the Republic of Guinea is gradually establishing itself as a leading tourist destination in West Africa. A striking symbol of this momentum, the Mamaya of Kankan embodies the country's intangible wealth and its ability to combine tradition and modernity to attract the world.
Strong political and institutional commitment
Unlike its neighbours Senegal and Ivory Coast, which tend to focus on business tourism, Guinea is playing the authenticity card, highlighting the diversity of its landscapes, its rich culture and the human experience. Already recognised in Africa and Europe for its natural treasures, historical heritage, festivals and initiatives to open up to private investment, the country is charting an original and sustainable course in the development of its tourism industry.
In June 2022, a major reform marked a turning point: the President of the Republic, General Mamadi Doumbouya, transformed the National Tourism Office into a public limited company, giving it legal, financial and administrative autonomy, while placing it under the technical supervision of the Ministry of Tourism and the financial supervision of the Ministry of Finance.
This reform has accelerated momentum on the ground. Since taking office in January 2022, Ms Kade Camara has embodied this new energy. Active both nationally and internationally, she is a tireless advocate for Guinea as a tourist destination.
In 2023, it launched the ‘La Guinée des Merveilles’ campaign, a 114-page tourist guide (in print and QR code versions), highlighting regional treasures, gastronomic specialities, crafts, accommodation and types of tourism available. Two popular figures lent their image to this campaign: artist Grand P and footballer Iya Traoré.
Read our article to discover the tourist attractions of the Republic of Guinea.
The Mamaya of Kankan: memory in motion
Beyond its landscapes, the Republic of Guinea can also count on powerful living traditions, such as the Mamaya, celebrated every year in the city of Kankan.
La Mamaya is a major cultural event in Upper Guinea. An intangible heritage of the Mandén (the region of origin of the legendary Mali Empire and the Mandinka people, renowned for its rich oral tradition, culture and historical influence), it is distinguished by its collective circle dances, traditional music, colourful costumes and intergenerational atmosphere. This social ritual symbolises the refinement of human relationships, elegance of behaviour and community cohesion : when Mamaya lights up the future of Guinean tourism.
More than just a show, Mamaya embodies the memory of a people. It is a powerful vehicle for transmitting Mandinka values: respect, solidarity and social order. It offers an exceptional opportunity for cultural tourism, which deserves to be promoted more widely.
With efforts in organisation, media coverage and professionalisation, Mamaya is on its way to becoming a truly unmissable international tourist event, like the major African cultural festivals (e.g. the Festival on the Niger in Mali or the Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira, Morocco).
‘Mamaya is not something to be watched, it is something to be experienced. It is not inherited, it is passed on. And above all, it never runs out: it reinvents itself with every step.’ Kade CAMARA, Director of the Guinean National Tourist Office.
Read Kade Camara's article on the rich potential of Mamaya in the development of tourism in the Republic of Guinea.
An ambition focused on the future
The Republic of Guinea has immense tourism potential. The country has successfully begun its transformation, laying solid foundations and creating a new image for itself. The next step is to consolidate these achievements by strengthening infrastructure, training tourism professionals, improving hospitality, expanding the range of offerings (ecotourism, beach tourism, cultural tourism, community tourism) and further stimulating private investment.
But the essentials are there: strong political will, dynamic leadership, a people rich in tradition, and a land of exceptional natural beauty.
The Republic of Guinea now presents itself as an authentic, contrasting, welcoming and promising destination for travellers in search of true horizons.
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