Press Corner
In this section Africa's Eden targets the media with the inclusion of sections for press releases, images, press trips and a directory of experts. For more detailed information about Africa's Eden, please email marketing@africas-eden.com
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Information on close down Loango Lodge, Gabon as per September 1st, 2010
Arnhem, July 22nd, 2010
Africa’s Eden herewith informs its clients, business relations and media partners of the current situation in Gabon, and the effect this may have on your bookings / booking requests with Africa’s Eden:
As per September 1st 2010 Loango Lodge in Gabon will be closed indefinitely. Confirmed bookings will be processed until this time. New reservations will only be taken if quality levels can be guaranteed. Detailed procedures are provided in the attachment.
As you might know road infrastructure in Gabon is poorly developed. Tourism transport therefore heavily depends on aviation. To transport our clients to Loango National Park we worked with our sister company SCD Aviation. This was a reputable airline working according to the highest European safety standards and with many oil companies amongst our clients considered the best regional airline in the Gulf of Guinea.
A smouldering conflict between SCD Aviation and the Gabonese civil aviation authorities (ANAC) flared up when SCD’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) was up for renewal. The AOC was refused despite the fact SCD Aviation met all requirements. SCD Aviation received support in the conflict from the government and for a long time the company was confident to find a solution. Unfortunately after a year of not flying SCD Aviation has reached the inevitable stage of filing for bankruptcy. As a consequence Africa’s Eden is no longer able to transport her clients to Loango National Park, Gabon’s jewel in the crown.
Africa’s Eden deeply regrets that its sister company is forced to take this dramatic decision. It means that Loango Lodge, which since 2001 has welcomed thousands of international tourists to discover Gabon’s wildlife rich forests and unspoiled coastline, is closing its doors for good.
This chain of events has forced us to take the decision to cancel all international bookings to Loango National Park, Gabon from September 1st 2010 onwards. Our accommodations in Sao Tome, Principe and the Central African Republic are not affected by the conflict and will continue operating.
We regret having to take this decision and the effect this will have on guests that were planning to visit Gabon in the coming weeks. However, we hope that you understand the reasons why we are taking these measures. We will do our utmost to assist you in changing / cancelling your bookings.
On this link you find the procedures with regard to changing or cancelling your booking. To view the official press releases please click here.
Yours sincerely,
R.A. Swanborn
CEO Africa’s Eden
E : info@africas-eden.com
T : +31 26 370 5567
F : +31 26 370 5569
W: www.africas-eden.com
