In 1978, Josiane Balasko and Gérard Jugnot, along with Michel Blanc and Thierry Lhermitte, were among the investors in the village of the Club Méditerranée in Assinie, Côte d'Ivoire. That era marked the peak of the country as a top tourist destination, with the iconic Club Med resort and the cult film Splendid capturing the spirit of the time. However, the trident brand, a symbol of the Club Med, has since left the country, and the original Club Med site has disappeared. Today, only faded memories of that era remain, but Côte d'Ivoire is now striving to reclaim its former status as a premier tourist spot. After years of political instability at the start of the 21st century, Côte d'Ivoire has seen a return to political stability in recent years. The government now aims to double its efforts in tourism, with a target of welcoming 6.7 million international visitors—mainly from Africa—by 2025. This is a significant jump from the 2 million visitors recorded a decade ago, with the goal of reaching 10 million by the end of the decade. Tourism is expected to contribute more to the country's economy, raising its share of GDP from 7.6% to 10%, while creating a million new jobs. Siandou Fofana, the Minister of Tourism and Leisure, emphasized the importance of tourism during a recent visit to Paris for the IFTM fair. He noted that 75% of Côte d'Ivoire's population is under 35 and stressed the need for France's support. Despite Côte d'Ivoire's recent economic growth of 6 to 7% annually over the past 15 years, it still faces outdated stereotypes in France. The minister aims to strengthen ties with France, embracing the country's French heritage and seeking a partnership for mutual growth. To achieve these ambitious goals, the government is leveraging the country's recent political and economic stability. The exhibition park of Abidjan, inaugurated in 2023, is designed to host large conferences and international fairs, reinforcing Abidjan's status as a major economic hub in West Africa. The minister hopes to encourage business travelers to extend their stays or return for leisure, thus boosting tourist revenue. Côte d'Ivoire has also partnered with French sports teams, including Olympique de Marseille and Stade Français, which has led to a 20% increase in French visitors from the PACA region. With the expansion of air services from Paris, including Air France, Corsair, and Air Côte d'Ivoire, the country is working to enhance accessibility. However, future plans include expanding the Abidjan airport and attracting low-cost airlines to boost tourism further.