Ouagadougou — The special edition of the Ouagadougou International Tourism and Hospitality Exhibition (SITHO) and the Ouagadougou Tourism, Hotel, and Catering Showcase (VITHRO) officially commenced on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in Ouagadougou.

According to a new release by Burkina Information Agency, the event comes after previous suspensions of SITHO and VITHRO in 2017 and 2020, respectively. The government aims to utilize tourism as a lever for economic development, especially in the current context marked by a security crisis.

The launch took place on the site of the Ouagadougou International Crafts Fair (SIAO) and was attended by Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachimson Kyélem de Tambela. The event will run from October 26 to October 29, 2023. The theme for this year’s event is “Promotion of Internal Tourism, a Factor of Resilience.”

Emmanuel Ouédraogo, the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, noted that despite the adversities, the tourism sector remains resilient. He stated that internal tourism could be a solution for the multiple challenges the country faces. Ouédraogo emphasized the need for local citizens, especially the youth, to appreciate the country’s cultural and natural diversity.

Delegations from Mali and Niger also attended the event. Ouédraogo welcomed their presence and noted that Burkina Faso and Niger share similar challenges in the tourism sector. Nigerien Minister of Tourism and Crafts, Guichen Agaichata, expressed her honor at the invitation and aligned with the event’s theme, stating it fits with the objectives of both states to revitalize the tourism sector.

Célestin Zoungrana, the president of the Federation of Employers’ Organizations of Tourism and Hospitality of Burkina (FOPATH-B), acknowledged the importance of both public and private sector cooperation in revitalizing the tourism industry. He pointed out that the security crisis has led to a decrease in international tourist arrivals and economic profitability.

Idrissa Nassa, the new president of the National Council of Burkinabè Employers, called on the government to implement incentive measures to make the tourism sector more profitable. He assured that his organization would support the Ministry in charge of tourism in developing concrete proposals to boost the sector.