The 16th edition of the International Tourism and Hospitality Fair (SITHO) was officially opened by Burkina Faso's Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, on September 22, 2026, in Ouagadougou. The event is themed "Financing Structuring Projects: A Lever for Tourism Development" and focuses on mobilizing resources to turn the country's tourism potential into a significant economic driver.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to create conditions that allow the tourism sector to generate more economic activities, jobs, and opportunities for the population. He noted that tourism goes beyond discovering landscapes or monuments, but also involves valuing the country's heritage, traditions, museums, and crafts. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of security in welcoming and accommodating visitors.
The ceremony included a choreographic performance showcasing the country's diverse ethnic groups and cultural heritage. After the speeches, the Prime Minister cut the ribbon and visited the various stands set up on the site. The event is being held at the Ouagadougou International Trade and Industry Fair (SIAO) and will run until September 27, 2026.
The Minister of Crafts, Culture, Hospitality Industry, and Tourism of Mali, Mamou Daffé, speaking on behalf of the invited countries, including Mali and Niger, advocated for a common approach to tourism in the AES space. He proposed mutualizing expertise and resources, co-financing structuring projects, and jointly promoting cultural heritage.
The representative of the sponsors, Roland Nikiéma, Director-General of Wendkuni Banque International, stressed the responsibility of the private sector in this dynamic. He stated that despite the challenging context, the private sector has a duty to support the states in developing the tourism sector.
The fair will feature business meetings, panels, conferences, exhibitions, and cultural activities over six days. The event also includes the first Forum of Tourism Actors in the Sahelian Space, aimed at promoting exchanges between project holders, tourism actors, and financing structures to create concrete opportunities for the sector.
The 16th edition of SITHO aims to make financing the engine of tourism development in Burkina Faso and the AES region. The event brings together professionals, exhibitors, investors, and visitors to explore opportunities and promote cooperation in the tourism sector.
Key points
- The 16th edition of SITHO is themed "Financing Structuring Projects: A Lever for Tourism Development".
- The event aims to promote cooperation and financing of tourism projects in the AES region.
- The fair will run until September 27, 2026, at the Ouagadougou International Trade and Industry Fair (SIAO).
