Mali's International Tourism Salon Returns After 15 Years

The 5th edition of the International Tourism Salon of Bamako, also known as SITOUR, officially launched on November 12, 2026, at the Parc national du Mali in Bamako, Mauritania. The event, which will run until November 14, 2026, brings together institutions, tourism professionals, artisans, and cultural heritage representatives. The salon aims to relaunch the promotion of Mali as a tourist destination and gather stakeholders from the tourism, culture, and handicraft sectors.

The SITOUR was last held in 2011 and has been on hiatus for 15 years. Its return is seen as a significant step towards revitalizing Mali's tourism sector. The event features nearly 300 exhibitors from the 19 regions of Mali, showcasing their tourism, cultural, and handicraft potential. The salon's theme is "The Resilience of African Tourism in the Face of Recent Changes."

The Minister of Handicrafts, Culture, Hospitality Industry, and Tourism, Mamou Daffé, emphasized that the return of SITOUR is a symbol of the renaissance of Mali's national tourism sector. He stated that the country is committed to redynamizing its tourism industry. The minister highlighted the diversity of identities and common heritage of Mali's 19 regions, which are presented as showcases of the country's wonders.

The three-day event includes two panels: "The Resilience of African Tourism in the Face of Recent Changes" and "Resilience and Reinvention: How Territorial Marketing Can Serve as an Instrument for Managing Tourist Destinations in Crisis and Post-Crisis Situations." Additionally, there are pedagogical workshops on traditional know-how, such as pottery, painting, sculpture, and music.

A city tour of Bamako is also planned, allowing participants from the regions and the general public to discover several facets of the capital. The event is part of the celebration of the 2026-2027 year, declared as the Year of Education and Culture by the President of the Transition, General Assimi Goita.

The SITOUR aims to reposition Mali on the African and international tourism maps, promote exchanges between professionals, and enhance the attractiveness of Mali as a tourist destination. The minister expressed his gratitude to foreign ambassadors and partners for their participation, which he sees as a testament to Mali's resilience despite recent security challenges.

The event aligns with the "Mali koura gne tassira" vision, which seeks to promote and valorize Malian tourism and handicrafts. The minister emphasized that the SITOUR is an opportunity to showcase Mali's beauty and culture, highlighting that Malian tourism is deeply rooted in the country's culture.

Key points

• The 5th edition of SITOUR aims to reposition Mali on the African and international tourism maps.
• The event features nearly 300 exhibitors from the 19 regions of Mali.
• The SITOUR was last held in 2011 and has been on hiatus for 15 years.