The 16th edition of the Ouagadougou International Tourism and Hospitality Fair (SITHO) is hosting the Association of Tourism and Leisure Establishments (AETL) for the second time. Founded less than two years ago, AETL brings together 15 parks and leisure centers, aiming to promote leisure tourism in Burkina Faso. The association's members offer a variety of experiences, including parks, swimming pools, and karting facilities.
AETL's members are located in Ouagadougou and its surroundings, as well as in Bobo-Dioulasso. The association's diversity is one of its main strengths, with establishments catering to different tastes and publics. Families can spend a day at Bibi Parc, followed by a swim at Aqua Park, and end with a meal at Le Paradisier. Teenagers can enjoy activities at Ouaga Play Center (OPC) or Maryland Karting.
The association's president, Mme Éliane Bonkoungou/Lompo, emphasizes that AETL's goal is to show that Burkinabè tourism is not limited to historical sites or classic destinations. Leisure tourism can also be experienced through relaxation, family activities, and proximity experiences. AETL member and Aqua Park Ouaga manager, Joceline Bakouan, notes that the diversity of establishments illustrates the vitality of a sector that remains largely unknown to the general public.
AETL aims to have its sector recognized as a significant part of the national economy, capable of generating activity in related sectors such as restoration, accommodation, events, and transportation. The association is seeking to overcome structural obstacles, including the high cost of specialized equipment and limited access to financing. AETL is calling for tax facilities, targeted exemptions, and better access to financing.
Since its creation, AETL has engaged in dialogue with the Directorate General of Tourism, SONATUR, and the Cultural and Tourism Development Fund (FDCT). The association has obtained a positive institutional response, but acknowledges that administrative procedures remain a barrier to the creation and modernization of establishments. AETL plans to establish common quality and safety standards among its members.
AETL's future projects include organizing a National Leisure Festival, creating a mutualized purchasing center, and developing partnerships within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The association is also launching a membership drive to expand its network to other promoters across the country. The SITHO fair provides a platform for AETL to meet with travel agencies, investors, and public institutions.
For AETL, the leisure sector is not a luxury, but a structuring industry that contributes to the country's economic and social development. The association invites families to discover its member establishments, offering a secure and enjoyable experience that combines modern games with Burkinabè culture.
Key points
- AETL promotes leisure tourism in Burkina Faso through its participation in SITHO 2026.
- The association seeks recognition of leisure tourism as a significant sector of the national economy.
- AETL aims to establish common quality and safety standards among its members.
