Ouagadougou,– The 15th edition of the International Tourism and Hospitality Fair of Ouagadougou (SITHO) held under the patronage of the Prime Minister, represented by State Minister of Agriculture, Animal and Fishery Resources, Commander Ismaël Sombié concluded this weekend during the world tourism dat celebrations.
Over four days, stakeholders from across the region gathered to exchange ideas and celebrate cultural diversity under the theme: “Tourism and Integration of the Peoples of the Sahel.”
Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo
The opening ceremony featured exciting artistic performances, traditional dances, and official addresses highlighting the importance of tourism and hospitality to economic growth and social cohesion.
In his keynote speech, Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo emphasized tourism’s political and forward-looking role: “Our destinies are intertwined. Tourism can be a powerful unifying force, transcending borders and building bridges of solidarity.” He urged stakeholders to foster partnerships and promote a more inclusive, sustainable, and authentic tourism sector.
Ouédraogo also recalled Burkina Faso’s major infrastructure projects, initiated under Captain Ibrahim Traoré, to improve access to tourist sites and create a favorable legal framework for private investment.
The Guest Country Ghana, represented by Joseph K. Amo, welcomed the invitation, noting that it their participation would further strengthen ties between Accra and Ouagadougou.
Representing Niger and Mali, Niger’s Minister of Handicrafts and Tourism, Aghaichata Guichene Atta, reaffirmed her countries’ commitment to working alongside Burkina Faso to promote tourism as a driver of social cohesion and regional unity. She also invited partners to discover Niger’s cultural richness at the upcoming AES Festival in Agadez, December 1–3.
Speaking at the opening, Director General of Azalai Hotel Group, a lead sponsor of the event Mohamed Ag Alhousseini underlined tourism’s vital role in job creation and wealth generation: “Tourism knows no borders; it creates opportunities for youth and strengthens the resilience of our economies.”
During SITHO, UN Tourism — of which Burkina Faso is an active member — organized a training workshop for 40 tourism stakeholders focused on product development in the sector. In addition, UN Tourism granted 50 online scholarships to the Government of Burkina Faso to strengthen human capital in the industry. SITHO 2025 served as a dynamic platform for collaboration, cultural exchange, and the promotion of Sahelian tourism.
