Until the mid-1960s, San-Pédro was a tiny fishing village of fewer than 100 inhabitants, but, following the start of port construction there in 1968, it rapidly grew into a major town. Upon completion of the port in 1970, San-Pédro became the nation’s second-largest port (after the capital, Abidjan). Exports consist mainly of wood products, which also constitute the town’s largest industry. San-Pédro serves as a shipping point in the government project to develop and export the rich forest resources of southwestern Côte d’Ivoire. Pop. (1998) 131,800.

Coupled with both its economics and socio-cultural dynamics, the region San Pedro enjoys a good reputation as the preferred tourist destination in the country.

ATB Ambassador Joseph Grah and Dr Diamana planned this two day visit for the Chairman of this growing tourist region

While landing this afternoon at San Pedro airport, Chairman Cuthbert received a warm welcome by the Regional Director of the Minsitry of Tourism.

Local media were excited to meet Mr. Ncube and a group of traditional chiefs and notables backed by a local cultural and folkloric women group performed with the ATB Chairman. The chairman’s courage, his passion, and most especially his love for Africa, which drives him tirednessly all accross the continent and rest of the world was recognized.

During a short media briefing at the airport upon arrival, ATB Chairman Cuthbert was given the opportunity to express the purpose of his visit. He explained his vision to rebrand and re-write the history of San Pedro and the region at large. Subsequently, a land visit was conducted in the suburb area of the city, enabling Mr. Ncube to perceive the high yield potentials of the tourism sector of the region.

The local host is planning for a huge cultural ceremony in the honor of the ATB Chairman. Locals are placing huge hope in the ATB’s capacities to restore and elevate the dignity of Africans and merge them as one poeple and one nation through tourism industry.