Tourism: A ‘soft power’ strategy announced to promote Congolese destinations

Kinshasa, October 8^th, 2026, (CPA): —The implementation of a strategy centred on ‘soft power’ + ability to influence +, has been announced on Thursday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the opening of the 2^nd edition of the World Festival of Music and Tourism, with a view to exploit other sectors of national life. “To put this commitment into practice, we have put in place strategies aiming to promote and better position our country as a destination. One of these strategies is the implementation of +soft power’+ which enables us to exploit other sectors of national life, notably sport, mining, gastronomy and music,” Didier Mazenga, Minister in charge of Tourism, has declared. In his opening address, the minister has specified that tourism is not limited to the discovery of landscapes and monuments. It is also a human, cultural and emotional experience. “Our artists are therefore true ambassadors in the projection of our positive image to the world. That is why, put together, music and tourism represent a tremendous opportunity to enhance our country’s attractivity and diversify our tourism offer, » he has explained. As part of these celebrations, the Minister Mazenga has indicated that choice has fallen on music to boost the destination of DRC, as music is an effective tool for bringing peoples together. “It allows people to discover the soul of a country. Through rhythm, melodies and instruments, we tell our story and share our traditions, our hospitality and our world view with enthusiasm,” he has added. This ceremony has been enhanced by the presence of the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister in charge of public service, Jean-Pierre Lihau, acting as the personal representative of the Head of State, Felix Tshisekedi, alongside members of the government, the diplomatic corps and representatives from UNWTO.