The 16th edition of the Salon international du tourisme et de l’hôtellerie de Ouagadougou (SITHO) opened on September 22, 2026, at the Parc d’exposition du SIAO in Ouagadougou. The event was patronized by Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, who emphasized the need to transform the country's tourism potential into viable economic activities and job opportunities. This year's theme is "Financing for Structuring Projects: A Lever for Tourism Development."
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of securing adapted financing for the tourism sector, particularly for infrastructure development, site management, accommodation, mobility, training, and digital solutions. He stressed that mobilizing such financing is crucial for the sector's competitiveness and attractiveness. Ouédraogo called for strengthened mechanisms to link tourism projects to available financing sources, increased private sector involvement, and the creation of a favorable environment for sustainable projects.
The SITHO fair also celebrates the region of Guiriko and features Mali and Niger as special guest countries. The Prime Minister noted that the tourism sector has cultural, identity, and social significance, going beyond mere discovery of landscapes or monuments. He encouraged participants to use the event to establish partnerships and develop concrete financing proposals. The fair provides a platform for dialogue among public authorities, local governments, professionals, investors, and communities.
Cooperation in tourism within the Confédération des États du Sahel (AES) is a significant aspect of this edition, with a forum for AES tourism actors to discuss experience sharing and joint project development. The Prime Minister praised the geographic proximity, cultural diversity, and historical ties between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which can be leveraged to create complementary tourism offerings.
The Malian Minister of Artisanal, Cultural, Hospitality, and Tourism, Mamou DAFFÉ, representing the special guest countries, expressed the desire to build an integrated and competitive Sahelian tourism destination. He emphasized the importance of sharing expertise and resources, co-financing structuring projects, and jointly promoting historical sites, crafts, and gastronomy.
Prime Minister Ouédraogo also acknowledged the role of security in tourism development, commending the fighting forces for their commitment and sacrifice. He encouraged sector professionals to continue innovating, professionalizing, and improving service quality. The opening ceremony featured a performance by the Burkinabé National Ballet and officially declared the fair open by the Prime Minister on behalf of President Ibrahim Traoré.
The fair will run until September 27, featuring professional exhibitions, business meetings, excursions, contests, cultural events, and gastronomic spaces. The event aims to promote tourism destinations in Burkina Faso and the AES region. Key points include:
Key points
- The 16th SITHO edition focuses on financing for tourism development.
- Mali and Niger are special guest countries at the fair.
- The event promotes cooperation in tourism within the AES region.
