OUAGADOUGOU — On Friday, October 27, 2023, Ouagadougou was the center stage for a panel discussion aimed at developing crisis-adapted strategies for the tourism sector. The event occurred during the special edition of the Ouagadougou International Tourism and Hospitality Exhibition (SITHO) and the Ouagadougou International Tourism, Hotel and Catering Showcase (VITHRO), which are being held from October 26 to 29, 2023.
According to a new release by Burkina Information Agency, two university professors, Dr. Soumaïla Maré and Bodjon Basile Bazongo, along with Patricia Emma Tamini, the former general director of the Burkinabè National Tourism Office, led the conversation. Bazongo noted that customer behavior often changes during crises in the tourism sector, suggesting that it is the responsibility of the State and national tourism administration to create robust budgets to tackle such challenges.
Bazongo also proposed that the government develop training programs for tourism stakeholders to raise their expertise level. “Collaborate closely with other actors in the private sector and international organizations to define and coordinate crisis management efforts,” he added. In terms of labor, Bazongo discussed the potential for telework and employee reassignment to more critical projects.
Patricia Emma Tamini, representing the Burkinabè National Tourism Office, indicated that there has been a sharp decline in tourist activity from 2012 to 2023. She emphasized the significant role that tourism plays in the global economy, contributing to 10% of the global GDP and providing one in eleven jobs. Tamini proposed the promotion of internal tourism for both residents and non-residents as a measure to counteract crises.
Doctor Soumaïla Maré, the third panelist, talked about the importance of resilience, reimagining destinations, adapting offers, and strengthening human capital. “It is a question of ensuring and structuring communication in times of crisis, of adopting an emergency and adaptation plan,” Dr. Maré added.
The panelists collectively agreed that private companies should adapt their offers to new situations within the evolving context. The discussion concluded that promoting internal tourism could serve as a significant factor for resilience during times of crisis.