Today we are collecting the testimony of Isaac Abissi, director of the local agency Voyages Modestes, member of the Nomadays collective. From Abomey-Calavi in Benin, Isaac tells about his professional daily life and the tourism situation in Benin and Togo at the time of coronavirus.
"We are not prepared, neither technically, nor financially, nor psychologically. It is a difficult situation that undermines social cohesion and makes an already deprived population vulnerable"
"Our agency is experiencing an unprecedented situation. Since its creation in 2009, we had never experienced such an untenable situation. Since the beginning of this crisis, it has not been joyful, neither in Benin nor in Togo. Due to the measures taken by the respective governments to limit the spread of Coronavirus, all trips are canceled and travel is restricted.
Everything has come to a standstill. We are no longer working. The drivers, the local guides, the restaurant owners, everyone is complaining. The worst part: some travelers are demanding refunds of their deposit despite current regulations that recommend trip postponements. Some companies have already closed their doors. In reality, we are not prepared, neither technically, nor financially, nor psychologically for this crisis with serious consequences.
Regarding the measures taken by the governments of Benin and Togo to curb the spread of Covid-19, the situation is not the same for each country.
In Togo, the measures are more drastic. The authorities have opted for lockdown and curfew from 7pm to 6am. All of the country's borders are closed. Hotels and restaurants are also severely affected. Our last group in this country dates back to February 1st.
In Benin, the government first decreed the closure of bars, restaurants, places of worship and prayer as well as recreation centers and gathering places. Benin's borders are not closed, but everyone entering the country is systematically placed in quarantine, after which they are tested before being allowed to leave.
Then, the authorities decided to set up a health corridor that brings together the cities most exposed to the virus. A measure of isolation that creates a lot of damage within the population: no more public transport, no more travel within the country. Those within the corridor cannot leave and those outside cannot enter. It is a difficult situation that undermines social cohesion and makes an already deprived population vulnerable.
We have no support measures. In developed countries, leaders mobilize significant resources to help the population and businesses cope with this period of crisis. This is not the case in our countries in Africa. In both Benin and Togo, governments do not help businesses. It is even difficult for travel agencies to access financing. Banks do not lend money. It is impossible under these conditions to resort to financial loans to restart our activities.
Even though our agency Voyages Modestes has not yet laid off a single employee from the team, we are experiencing serious difficulties in meeting fixed costs. We hope we do not have to close our doors.
In reality, we can only hope. That this crisis ends quickly and that we can resume our activities..."
