The Malian government has initiated Tourism Month, which will run from September 1 to 30. The event aims to promote tourism as a lever for growth and national cohesion. The Ministry of Handicrafts, Culture, Hospitality Industry, and Tourism organized a thematic conference under the theme "Internal Tourism, a Vector for Promoting Local Economy and Strengthening Patriotism." The ceremony was presided over by Minister Mamou Daffé.
Minister Daffé commended the commitment and professionalism of the tourism administration and all stakeholders in the sector. He particularly congratulated the structures responsible for promoting tourism on the work carried out since the beginning of the month in Bamako, the regions, and within the Sahel Alliance space. The minister also highlighted the theme of internal tourism, describing it as a strategic sector with promising prospects in the context of Mali's refoundation.
According to Minister Daffé, internal tourism contributes to the country's economic activity by supporting various sectors such as transportation, hotels, restaurants, commerce, and handicrafts. He also emphasized the importance of cultural and heritage events, which attract visitors and stimulate local consumption. These events, he said, contribute to the economic activity of the territories and promote national cohesion.
Minister Daffé presented internal tourism as an instrument of cultural sovereignty, patriotism, and national cohesion. He encouraged Malians to visit their country, stating that discovering different regions and historical sites would strengthen their sense of belonging and appreciation for the country's common values. The minister also launched a call to citizens, particularly professionals in the tourism sector, families, and civil servants, to contribute to making the country known to new generations.
Two panels were organized after the official opening, focusing on "Digital and Artificial Intelligence for Rethinking Tourism" and "Internal Tourism, a Vector for Promoting Local Economy and Strengthening Patriotism." The discussions were led by experts, including Colonel-major Ousmane Ly and Sidi Keïta. They highlighted the role of digital technology and artificial intelligence in transforming the tourism sector and promoting local economy.
The panels also discussed the importance of reliable and accessible data in the tourism sector. According to Colonel-major Ousmane Ly, artificial intelligence can contribute to the development of Malian tourism by providing data on tourist sites, destinations, and artisans. This approach would help to better valorize Mali's potential and offer visitors adapted tourist experiences.
The Tourism Month initiative aims to promote internal tourism and encourage Malians to discover their country's cultural, historical, and tourist riches. The event also seeks to highlight the sector's potential for structural transformation of the economy and its role in promoting national cohesion. Minister Daffé summarized the initiative's objective as "better knowing, better loving, and better sharing."
Key points
- The Malian government has launched Tourism Month to promote internal tourism and national cohesion.
- The event aims to highlight the sector's potential for growth and development.
- The initiative encourages Malians to discover and appreciate their country's cultural and tourist riches.
