Photo: Mr Sulaïman KAGONE, Director General of Burkina Faso Tourism Promotion Agency
Burkina Faso’s flagship marketplace for travel and hospitality returns to Ouagadougou from 25–28 September 2025, with the 15th Ouagadougou International Tourism and Hospitality Fair (SITHO) confirmed for the SIAO exhibition Centre. Launched at an 18 June press briefing, organizers project more than 10,000 visitors at the stands, the participation of around 25 media outlets, and delegations from at least ten African countries, alongside tour operators and sector leaders.
Framed by the theme “Tourism and Integration of the Peoples of the Sahel,” SITHO 2025 positions tourism as a practical lever for regional cooperation, mobility and economic linkages. Niger and Mali will participate as special guest countries, while Burkina Faso’s Central-East region takes the spotlight as guest of honor, aligning destination promotion with Sahel-wide dialogue.
A strengthened professional programme underpins the trade focus. Two dedicated pavilions will host exhibitors, one for guest countries and tourism businesses, the other for local authorities and allied professions complemented by conferences, thematic panels, structured B2B meetings and multiple competition tracks. Market innovations include 3D virtual tours of key sites, a Tourism Tech hackathon, and a pitch arena for investment-ready projects. Beyond the show floor, an Educ’tour in the Central-East region will introduce international buyers and media to product across culture, nature and community tourism.
Cultural programming remains integral. A gastronomic hub “Foyer de l’AES” will showcase Sahel cuisines; evening performances and public excursions will open the event to city residents and visitors alike, reinforcing SITHO’s role as both a business forum and a national showcase.
The economic case is clear. Recent figures shared by the Directorate General of Tourism indicate accommodation revenues exceeding CFAF 64 billion and more than CFAF 87 billion across the wider tourism sector, with organizers citing SITHO as a marketing accelerator for the country’s offer. Equally, the 2025 edition carries a message of resilience: maintaining an international platform in Ouagadougou signals accessibility and a sustained commitment to sector development.
Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa
UN Tourism has confirmed technical engagement for product development and market positioning. As Elcia Grandcourt, Regional Director for Africa, notes, “As an active member of UN Tourism, we are pleased to provide our support and expertise to help advance the development of Burkina Faso’s tourism products. UN Tourism remains committed to driving innovation and growth in tourism product development, and the presence of our experts on the ground reflects our dedication to building strong, results-oriented partnerships with our member states.” She adds, “It’s an event that not only showcases the richness and diversity of Burkina Faso’s tourism offerings, but also as a space for knowledge exchange and dialogues among stakeholders, an important step toward strengthening product development and establishing tourism as a driver of national growth.”
Created in 2004, SITHO’s mandate to promote regional tourism and foster sub-regional integration resonates strongly in 2025. With a clear trade agenda, new digital tools, and curated on-ground experiences, this edition is designed to convert interest into partnerships, and partnerships into measurable outcomes for Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel.
