The 16th edition of the Salon International du Tourisme et de l'Hôtellerie de Ouagadougou (SITHO) was launched in Burkina Faso with a popular cross-country run. The event, organized by Faso Tourisme, took place on September 21, 2026, and brought together several government officials, cultural figures, and sports enthusiasts. The cross-country run, which covered a distance of approximately 5 kilometers, aimed to promote the connection between sports and tourism, two sectors that contribute to the well-being of individuals.
The event was attended by several high-profile individuals, including the Minister of Culture, Pengdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, and the Director of Marketing and Communication of Faso Tourisme, Hélène Sebogo. According to Minister Ouédraogo, the theme of this year's SITHO, "Financement des projets structurants: un levier pour le développement du tourisme," highlights the importance of financing structuring projects to develop the tourism sector. He emphasized that this edition of SITHO provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss and exchange ideas on how to promote tourism in Burkina Faso.
The SITHO, which will take place from September 22 to 27, 2026, at the SIAO exhibition park, aims to bring together stakeholders from the tourism sector, banks, and financial institutions. The event will feature the participation of Mali and Niger as special guests, and the Guiriko region as the invited region of honor. According to Hélène Sebogo, the cross-country run was also an opportunity for participants to relax and socialize, after several days of preparation for the event.
The event was also attended by Mahamadi Ouédraogo, Master of Ceremony, who emphasized the importance of promoting Burkina Faso's tourism potential. He noted that participating in the SITHO provides an opportunity to discover the country's tourism industry, discuss with stakeholders, and strengthen networks. The event was also attended by the Minister of Family, Lieutenant-Colonel Passowendé Pélagie Kaboré, and the Governor of the Kadiogo region, Abdoulaye Bassinga.
The SITHO is an annual event that aims to promote the tourism sector in Burkina Faso. This year's edition is expected to attract a large number of participants, including stakeholders from the tourism sector, banks, and financial institutions. The event will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss and exchange ideas on how to promote tourism in Burkina Faso and address the challenges facing the sector.
According to the organizers, the cross-country run was a success, with several participants turning up to take part in the event. The event was also an opportunity for participants to promote the SITHO and encourage people to attend the event. The SITHO is expected to feature a range of activities, including exhibitions, conferences, and workshops.
The 16th edition of the SITHO is expected to be a major event in the tourism sector in Burkina Faso. With the participation of Mali and Niger as special guests, and the Guiriko region as the invited region of honor, the event is expected to attract a large number of participants and promote the tourism sector in the region. The event will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss and exchange ideas on how to promote tourism in Burkina Faso and address the challenges facing the sector.
Key points
- The 16th edition of the SITHO was launched with a popular cross-country run that brought together government officials, cultural figures, and sports enthusiasts.
