Piracy in Somalia Does tourism stand a chance?

Somalia in Focus Located in Capital Population: Life expectancy is Around 1960, seen as a great example by the west of Tourist hot spot

Somalia Political instability and war plague the country brutal authoritarian rule 1991 coup = violence and unrest 1991 northern Somalis est. Somaliland

In the words of K’naan Listen to the song and describe the overall mood or atmosphere that it creates What’s Hardcore How do you envision Somalia based on his lyrics?

Piracy in Somalia Piracy: Exists for one main reason –

How did this happen? With the fall of the Somali government, the waters were left undefended and foreign fishers began illegally fishing in Somali waters Local fishermen banded together to protect their resource (the first act ~1991) After a few successful acts, pirates saw this as a profitable alternative – A pirates income is estimated at $238 million in 2010 – The average ransom rose to $5.4 million in 2010

Some stats… 25 military vessels - from the EU and NATO countries, the US, China, Russia, India and Japan - patrol approximately 8.3m sq km (3.2m sq miles) of ocean, an area about the size of western Europe 151 attacks on ships in 2011, compared to 127 in but only 25 successful hijacks compared to 47 in 2010 In 2011, pirates earned $146m (£93m), an average of $4.87m (£3m) per ship 10 vessels and 159 hostages are being held An estimated 3,000 to 5,000 pirates operate; 1,000 have been captured and are going through legal processes in 21 countries

Who are they? Most are between from Puntland (in northeastern Somalia) There are three main types:

Piracy and Armed Robbery Incidents 2011

Experience it! Pirate Coast Pirates in ParadisePirates in Paradise – Impacts on Seyshells

Tourism Stat(s) Minister of Tourism is Mohamed Hussein Said ___________________________ 1 tourist in 2010 Little to no tourism infrastructure due to civil war On every “No Go” tourism list Some brave tourists starting to return Somalia Tourism Website – Rate it Somalia Tourism Website

Read Aloud News Article Analysis Read the news article and answer the following in your notebook: 1) Why did Somalia officials not believe that Bown was a legitimate tourist? 2) Does Bown’s experience make you want to visit this country? Explain.

What can be done? You have been hired by the Somali Government to re-establish the tourism industry in the country. In your group, make a list of short-term and long-term steps that you think need to be taken in order to promote tourism in the country.

Rate it! On a scale from 1-10 (1= no chance, 10= Definitely) rate whether or not you think Somalia has a chance of developing a tourism industry