The 16th edition of the Ouagadougou International Tourism and Hospitality Fair (SITHO) kicked off on September 22, 2026, at the SIAO exhibition park in Burkina Faso. The event features various regional stands, professional pavilions, and areas for food, games, and leisure activities. Visitors can explore the diverse offerings until September 27. Exhibitors were eager to welcome visitors and showcase their products and expertise. The stands offer a wide range of local products, tourist sites, cultural heritage, and potential in the hospitality, food, and craft sectors.
The regional stands are a major attraction at the fair, allowing different delegations to present their local products, tourist sites, and cultural heritage. The Guiriko region, the guest of honor, has a prominent stand featuring various locally transformed products, such as chenilles, corn and rice couscous, and dried mangoes. Mariam Laty Traoré/Kam, secretary of the Guiriko Regional Directorate of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, emphasized that their participation aims to promote the region's riches and facilitate exchanges between delegations.
The Oubri region's exhibitors have also focused on diversity, showcasing artisanal products, pottery, ceramics, and woven fabrics. The delegation aims to promote the region's hotels, restaurants, green spaces, and tourist sites, highlighting its proximity to Ouagadougou and accessibility of its sites. Kogonoaga Bamogo, representative of the Oubri region, invited visitors to discover the region's potential.
The professional pavilion brings together various actors in the tourism industry, including hotels, restaurants, artisans, and local product providers. This space allows professionals to present their offers directly to visitors and seek new commercial opportunities and contacts. Exhibitors see the SITHO as an opportunity to promote themselves, meet new clients, and potentially secure orders.
The food area is a significant part of the event, with restaurateurs offering various specialties, allowing visitors to discover local flavors and enjoy the fair's atmosphere. Salamata Touré, a restaurateur participating for the third time in the SITHO, praised the event's organization and cleanliness, but suggested improvements in practical aspects, such as access to the site and work team badges.
The SITHO offers more than just exhibition stands and food; it also features game and leisure pavilions. A recreational park installed by Komi Art provides an entertainment space for families and visitors. The presence of these recreational areas diversifies the experience offered to the public, making the site a place for discovery, relaxation, and entertainment.
Special guest countries, including Mali, are participating in the event, contributing to the animation of the exhibition spaces. Fatimata Diarra, an exhibitor from Mali, is participating for the first time, offering spices and various products. Idrissa Dembélé, who participated for the second time, showcases Malian crafts, such as fabrics, leather bags, and decorative paintings, highlighting the importance of cultural exchanges between Burkina Faso and Mali.
Key points
- The 16th edition of the SITHO has opened its doors to the public, offering a diverse range of products and expertise.
- The event features various regional stands, professional pavilions, and areas for food, games, and leisure activities.
- Exhibitors see the SITHO as an opportunity to promote themselves, meet new clients, and potentially secure orders.
