Yvette Mamgue was invited to the IFTM 2026 press room by journalist Alexandra Willemin for an interview to discuss Universal Business Tour (UBT). What drives Yvette Mamgue a regular at tourism trade shows to promote Cameroon? This interview highlights the Cameroonian tour operator’s focus on eco-tourism. What concrete steps is Yvette Mamgue taking to promote eco-tourism? Above all, she emphasizes the human element, noting that people are central to environmental respect; she points out that tourists particularly the French and other Europeans are at the forefront of respecting nature in Cameroon to ensure environmental sustainability. French visitors are key players in this environmental sustainability, as ecological awareness is essential for maintaining a healthy, oxygen-rich environment.
Yvette Mamgue was no ordinary guest; she enjoyed VIP access to the press room a space strictly reserved for journalists. Olivier Tangkun made this possible by sharing his press accreditation with her. Alexandra Willemin, one of our journalists, also had the pleasure of accompanying her through the corridors of the IFTM trade show, showcasing her skills as a presenter and host to elevate the interview into a broadcast-style segment.
Yvette Mamgue used the trade show as an opportunity to promote Cameroonian destinations, accompanied by Jovanovic Ondobo Secretary General of the Mengueme municipality who oversees matters related to decentralized local authorities. Building on the work of UBT, which she manages, the two have formed a business partnership to expand their networks and raise Cameroon’s profile. With the support of the Mengueme Secretary General, Mamgue aims to collaborate with other Cameroonian municipalities and establish herself as one of the country’s most iconic tour operators. She is also in contact with Olivier Tangkun, whose mission involves sharing multicultural insights and fostering cross-cultural connections such as the cultural partnership between Fécamp and Cameroon to showcase the unique cultural richness of both regions. Through her participation in the IFTM trade show, Mamgue has expanded the scope of her project to include cultural business ventures linking Cameroon and Fécamp.
IFTM 2026 Trade Show
Here are a few photo highlights from the IFTM 2026 trade show in Paris, showcasing the wonderful connections made with tourism professionals including the CEOs of Jordan-based MED TOUR and TWO’S COMPANY and Egypt-based ELEGANCE TRAVEL as well as representatives from destinations such as Morocco, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and France. Yvette Mamgue and Jovanovic Ondobo spent three days at the event, focusing on strengthening partnerships and laying the groundwork for future collaborations, including potential opportunities involving Côte d’Ivoire. Their journey didn’t end at the trade show, however; they also traveled to Normandy to explore the town of Fécamp over the course of two days.
After three non-stop days at the IFTM 2026 trade show, they have arrived in Fécamp a town known for its Palais de la Bénédictine and as the birthplace of celebrities like Tony Parker and David Belle. However, their visit is not about meeting celebrities; rather, they have a specific goal: to foster a multicultural and eco-conscious connection. Their aim is to share the flavors of Cameroon with local associations, businesses, the municipality itself, and youth and sports organizations. To this end, Jovanovic Ondobo a specialist in inter-municipal relations in Cameroon plans to bring together various Cameroonian municipalities through a collaborative initiative, aiming to gather as many as possible for a visit to Fécamp. Working alongside Yvette Mamgue, the project’s initiator, he intends to establish a concrete budget in partnership with Cameroonian merchants and associations.
Cameroon and Fécamp. Accompanied by Olivier Tangkun, Yvette Mamgue and Jovanovic Ondobo were welcomed by Mr. David Roussel, the Mayor of Fécamp, in the town hall’s council chamber. The reception was filled with joy and a spirit of sharing, attended by representatives from local community services. During the meeting, gifts representing both Fécamp and Cameroon were exchanged. Mayor David Roussel greatly appreciated the encounter; he was moved, pleasantly surprised, and pleased to discuss the potential for inter-municipal exchanges to foster intercultural enrichment. What did Yvette Mamgue propose during this meeting with the Mayor of Fécamp? She suggested showcasing Cameroon through its environment, art, gastronomy, sports, culture, tourism, and heritage along with many other feasible ideas and sharing these elements in a reciprocal exchange with the corresponding aspects of Fécamp. Jovanovic Ondobo prioritized this spirit of sharing as a way to involve other municipalities. When will this event take place? It will take a year to properly prepare such an ambitious project; meanwhile, the guests took the opportunity in that same spirit of cultural sharing to visit “La Boucane,” a site managed by the Dundée Indépendant association. They were invited to taste smoked herring and smoked mackerel, in keeping with Fécamp tradition. It was also during this visit that Dundée Indépendant presented everyone with homemade smoked herring, while Yvette Mamgue offered them a corporate gift in return. The previous evening, they had dined at the restaurant La Grillade to discover Fécamp’s culinary scene, sampling dishes such as cod brandade and homemade fish soup. But that’s not all: with the help of the local associations department and the Mayor of Fécamp, they were invited to meet the director of the Fécamp MJC (Youth and Culture Center) to discuss potential exchanges including an invitation to the “Month of Solidarity” event. The Cameroonian group is certainly interested, though the visit will have to wait until next year to allow for proper preparation and budgeting to bring in Cameroonian associations, merchants, and elected officials.
A Fécamp resident nicknamed “Minou” agreed to accompany Yvette Mamgue and Jovanovic Ondobo for a morning to show them the town’s iconic landmarks. They visited the Palais de la Bénédictine and the Musée de la Pêcherie (courtesy of the Fécamp town hall’s local affairs department) and explored the cliffs and the seafront with its pebble beach and beach huts among other sites; it was an experience that delighted the Cameroonian guests, leaving them with lasting memories of the scenery and the people they met. Meanwhile, Marie-Agnès Poussier-Winsback MP for the 9th constituency, Vice-President of the National Assembly, and a municipal councillor in Fécamp was unable to attend in person but conveyed through her office that she wished to learn more about the project. This provided fresh momentum to flesh out the proposal and turn potential partnership opportunities into reality in the coming days. Furthermore, Secretary General Jovanovic Ondobo presented a gift intended for her identical to the one given to Mayor David Roussel which Olivier Tangkun will pass on to her shortly. Mr. Tangkun made a point of clarifying that his involvement with the Cameroonian guests was not part of his duties as an elected official, but rather a voluntary effort to capture photos and videos in support of the project. To conclude, Yvette and Jovanovic departed happily, buoyed by the hope that this ambitious project would come to fruition.
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