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Destination Grand Bassam Celebration Set To Kick Off

By Florence Utor
09 August 2015   |   3:32 am
Continent Building (CB) is set to take its dream of developing Africa and making it the next best destination, as it commences the launch of Destination Grand Bassam in Cote D’Ivoire, the first in the series of exposing Africa destination to the world.
Ekwe

Anu the Lady Ekwe on stage

Continent Building (CB) is set to take its dream of developing Africa and making it the next best destination, as it commences the launch of Destination Grand Bassam in Cote D’Ivoire, the first in the series of exposing Africa destination to the world.

CB is a Non-Governmental Organisation made up of Africans in the continent and those in the Diaspora who are committed to the development of Africa.

Founded by the President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Dr. Wanle Akinboboye, the continental body is aimed taking advantage of the vast and diverse culture, art, cuisine, and spread them within Africa and exports them to the world.

With focus on using hospitality, tourism and entertainment in developing the continent of Africa, the body has therefore devised Destination Grand Bassam, an even targeted at taking business out of the corporate environment to an eco-tourism enclave to share in the best of Africa arts, culinary, leisure and entertainment in a colourful and electrifying environment.

Billed for August 22 in Grand Bassam, it is a one-day show piece of Africa music, cultural dances, Kamp Africa, teaching kids African culture, YATE (Youth African Tourism Expedition) tours for young adults and CAER (Corporate African Eco Retreat), comedy, fashion and city tour.

Star performances by international stars and local artistes from Nigeria and Ivory Coast will feature alongside comedians and an exclusive world-class DJ.

Heads of blue chip companies, government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, political office holders, young executives, business owners, operators of travels and various stakeholders in the industry and people of all ages and races are expected to be part of this celebrative event.

Guests are expected to arrive on August 21 to a rousing welcome party where they would be received by guests’ relations officer and ushers, accompanied by a group of security personnel and driven to their respective hotels in either limousine or an SUV.

Three distinct packages have been put in place for the benefit of the people and these Grand Bassam, George and Ivory packages, inconclusive of hotel, three meals, airport pick up, entertainment and leisure packages of various kinds and exploration of the city among others.

The morning of August 22 will witness the arrival of guests at the event centre, where the formal opening ceremony would commence with the Ivorian Ambassador of Tourism slated to address the gathering and this will be followed by different performances, ranging from musical, fashion show to comedy and drama presentation.

As a tourism expedition, the event would also afford investors and different businesses the opportunity to showcase their products to Africa as a continent and the world at large while for Africans in Diaspora, it would be a good welcome to discovering their root and opening of Africa to the world.

Firework display would herald the evening session, which would among others witness a rich and enchanting display of African authentic culture in what has been term the first ever African-themed musical jamboree.

The objectives of Grand Bassam include: To unite Africa; To promote African culture and tourism; To enhance connectivity; To improve the economy; and To harmonize varieties of tribes, culture and beliefs within the West African sub-region. The next destination for the Continent Building event is Accra, which is billed for August 29.

The Grand Bassam, which is historically the first capital of Côte d’Ivoire, is an example of a late 19th- and early 20th-century colonial town planned with quarters specialising in commerce, administration, housing for Europeans and for Africans.

The site includes the N’zima African fishing village alongside colonial architecture marked by functional houses with galleries, verandas and gardens.

Grand Bassam was the most important port, economic and judicial centre of Côte d’Ivoire. It bears witness to the complex social relations between Europeans and Africans, and to the subsequent independence movement.

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