The 16th edition of the Salon international du tourisme et de l’hôtellerie de Ouagadougou (SITHO) kicked off on September 23, 2026, with a culinary event at the Faso Tourisme stand. The stand is offering visitors a taste of local Burkinabé cuisine, highlighting the country's diverse culinary heritage. Each day, from 12 pm, visitors can sample various traditional dishes and drinks.
The Faso Tourisme stand is designed to resemble traditional Kassena habitats, reflecting Burkina Faso's cultural heritage. According to Reine Josiane Sidnoma Koudougou, Director of Tourism Product Development at Faso Tourisme, the stand aims to showcase the country's cultural and culinary diversity. The event features a variety of local dishes, including gonsala, babenda, and zoom-koom.
The culinary experience is part of Faso Tourisme's efforts to promote Burkina Faso as a tourist destination. The stand offers visitors information on the country's tourist attractions and services. Koudougou emphasized that tourism is about diversity, encompassing cultural, culinary, and artistic experiences. The event encourages visitors to explore Burkinabé cuisine and its role in the country's culture.
The menu changes daily, offering visitors a new culinary experience each day. Upcoming events will feature dishes from different regions, such as Bissa, Kansa, and Tô gourmantché. Faso Tourisme aims to promote local consumption of traditional dishes and contribute to their preservation. The event also highlights the importance of local cuisine in various social settings, including family gatherings and professional events.
Visitors to the stand have expressed enthusiasm for the culinary experience. Blaise Yanogo, a visitor, praised the event, saying it reminded him of his childhood flavors. He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting local culinary traditions. Yanogo encouraged the youth to play an active role in transmitting and valuing Burkinabé cuisine.
The event is part of a larger effort to promote Burkina Faso's tourism industry. Faso Tourisme aims to showcase the country's diverse tourism offerings, including accommodation, transportation, and excursions. The institution hopes to attract visitors and encourage them to explore the country's various tourist attractions.
The culinary event will continue throughout the SITHO fair, offering visitors a chance to discover new flavors and experience Burkinabé cuisine. The event highlights the significance of local cuisine in Burkina Faso's cultural heritage and its potential to contribute to the country's economic development.
Key points
- The SITHO 2026 event features a culinary experience showcasing local Burkinabé dishes at the Faso Tourisme stand.
- The event aims to promote Burkina Faso's cultural and culinary diversity, highlighting the country's various traditional dishes.
- The culinary experience is part of Faso Tourisme's efforts to promote local consumption of traditional dishes and contribute to their preservation.
