The Ministry of Tourism and Leisure in Côte d'Ivoire organized a workshop in Man on October 7, 2026, to sensitize stakeholders in the Tonkpi region to new provisions governing the Tourism Development Tax (TDT). The workshop, part of a national campaign, aimed to improve the management and collection of the tax, which funds the Tourism Development Fund. The event was attended by representatives from the tourism, leisure, local government, tax, and treasury sectors.
The workshop was presided over by Sous-préfet Yocoli Vincent on behalf of the Prefect of the Tonkpi region. The Director Regional of Tourism and Leisure, Doumbia Mohamed, explained that the workshop aimed to help operators understand the new provisions of the 2026 fiscal annex, their obligations, and the necessary information for implementation. He added that the meeting also provided a platform for dialogue between the administration and sector actors.
The workshop covered various topics, including the legal framework of the TDT, collection procedures, and the role of municipal treasurers in the collection chain. The representative of the Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Django Koffi Sylvanus, stated that the campaign reflects the ministry's commitment to a proximity approach based on dialogue and consultation. The initiative aims to improve understanding of the TDT collection mechanism and increase revenue mobilization.
The new provisions, as outlined in the 2026 fiscal annex, introduce several changes. The scope of application of the TDT has been expanded to include all tourism sector operators, regardless of their tax regime. The tax rate has increased from 1.5% to 2.5% for several categories of taxpayers. A fixed rate of 100 CFA francs has been set for operators subject to the communal tax of the entrepreneur.
The TDT applies to various establishments, including hotels, restaurants, bars, travel agencies, event spaces, and amusement parks. The workshop provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss challenges related to tax collection and payment, as well as the implementation of the new measures. The Tourism Development Tax is a vital source of funding for the Tourism Development Fund, which supports actions and projects contributing to the sector's development.
The Tourism Development Fund is instrumental in financing Côte d'Ivoire's national strategy, "Sublime Côte d'Ivoire." The fund supports initiatives that promote the country's tourism industry. By educating stakeholders on the new provisions, the government aims to enhance collaboration and increase revenue collection.
The workshop concluded with a better understanding of the new provisions and their implications for stakeholders. The Ministry of Tourism and Leisure's efforts to engage with sector actors and improve the management of the TDT are expected to yield positive results for Côte d'Ivoire's tourism industry. The government remains committed to promoting dialogue and cooperation to drive growth in the sector.
Key points
- The Côte d'Ivoire government has launched a national campaign to educate stakeholders on new provisions governing the Tourism Development Tax (TDT).
- The new provisions introduce changes to the scope of application, tax rates, and collection procedures for the TDT.
- The Tourism Development Tax funds the Tourism Development Fund, which supports initiatives promoting Côte d'Ivoire's tourism industry.
