Grace Ntahinta Mboumba: Convener of Gabon International Expo (GIE)

Grace Ntahinta Mboumba is a distinguished tourism executive, entrepreneur, and destination development strategist dedicated to advancing Gabon‘s tourism industry and promoting sustainable economic growth through travel, investment, and international collaboration. 

With more than 15 years of professional experience and a Master’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management, she has established herself as one of Gabon’s leading voices in tourism development. Her expertise spans destination marketing, tourism management, ecotourism, hospitality, business development, and strategic partnership building. 

As the Chief Executive Officer of Gabon Highlights Tourism and Beyond Africa Travel, Grace has been instrumental in showcasing Gabon as a premier destination for ecotourism, wildlife, culture, and adventure travel. Her leadership has fostered strong collaborations with government institutions, tourism authorities, conservation agencies, and private-sector partners to promote responsible tourism while preserving Gabon’s exceptional natural and cultural heritage. 

Driven by a vision of sustainable and inclusive tourism, Grace has consistently championed initiatives that create economic opportunities for local communities, encourage environmental stewardship, and strengthen Gabon’s competitiveness within the global tourism market. 

Grace is also the visionary Convener of the Gabon International Expo (GIE), an international platform that brings together government leaders, investors, tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, exhibitors, and development partners to explore opportunities in tourism, trade, investment, innovation, and cultural exchange. Under her leadership, GIE has become a strategic gateway for fostering international partnerships and positioning Gabon as a leading destination for business, tourism, and sustainable development in Africa. 

Recognized for her integrity, strategic leadership, and passion for excellence, Grace Ntahinta Mboumba continues to inspire collaboration across borders while contributing to the long-term growth and global visibility of Gabon’s tourism and investment sectors. Her commitment to innovation, sustainability, and meaningful partnerships reflects the vision of a modern Africa that is connected, competitive, and open to the world.

How long have you been in the industry? Why did you choose this career path?

I have been working in the tourism industry for more than 15 years. I chose this career because I have always been passionate about travel, discovering new places, connecting people and cultures, and creating meaningful experiences.

Over the years, I have come to see tourism as much more than simply moving people from one destination to another. It is a powerful tool for economic development, cultural exchange, conservation and community empowerment. Working in tourism has given me the opportunity to contribute to showcasing Gabon to the world while helping travellers discover the incredible diversity of our country.

Tell us about Gabon. What makes it special?

Gabon is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. What makes it truly exceptional is the extraordinary combination of rainforest, savannah, rivers, lagoons and pristine Atlantic coastline, all within one country.

Gabon is home to some of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences, from forest elephants and western lowland gorillas to mandrills, hippos and buffaloes. Our national parks offer something very rare: the opportunity to experience wildlife in vast, relatively untouched natural environments.

But Gabon is not only about nature. We also have a rich cultural heritage, diverse communities and traditions, and a fascinating history. For me, Gabon represents the possibility of experiencing Africa in a more authentic and intimate way — wild, beautiful and still largely undiscovered.

What inspired the Gabon International Expo? What are your goals for the event?

The Gabon International Expo was inspired by the need to create a stronger platform for Gabon to connect with the international tourism market.

We wanted to bring together tourism professionals, buyers, investors, destinations, hospitality businesses and other stakeholders to showcase what Gabon has to offer and, importantly, to create real business opportunities.

Our goals are therefore multiple: to increase the international visibility of Gabon as a tourism destination, attract more international buyers and investors, encourage partnerships, promote sustainable tourism and create opportunities for local tourism businesses.

We also want the Expo to become a meeting point for the region — a place where the private sector, government, international partners and tourism professionals can exchange ideas, develop products and build long-term relationships.

Ultimately, we want people to leave the Expo not only knowing more about Gabon, but wanting to do business with Gabon and, most importantly, wanting to visit.

Where do you see tourism in Gabon in 5 years?

I see Gabon becoming one of Africa’s leading emerging destinations for sustainable, nature-based and experiential tourism.

We have an extraordinary natural asset base, but the opportunity now is to transform that potential into a competitive tourism industry with better connectivity, infrastructure, accommodation, guiding services, digital visibility and international partnerships.

In five years, I would like to see Gabon welcoming significantly more international visitors while maintaining the very qualities that make the country special. I would also like to see tourism creating more opportunities for local communities, entrepreneurs and young people.

My vision is not for Gabon to become a mass-tourism destination. I believe our strength lies in high-value, low-impact tourism — offering exceptional experiences while protecting our ecosystems and ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism.

What’s your favourite destination?

My favourite destination is Loango National Park. Loango captures so much of what makes Gabon extraordinary. You can experience rainforest, savannah, lagoons and the Atlantic coastline in one destination, sometimes within the same day.

There is something incredibly special about seeing forest elephants moving across a beach, watching hippos in the lagoon, or travelling through pristine landscapes where nature still feels completely in control.

For me, Loango represents the essence of Gabon — wild, authentic, spectacular and still wonderfully undiscovered. It is the kind of place that doesn’t simply give you photographs; it gives you memories that stay with you for a lifetime.