16th SITHO: Prime Minister Calls for Investment in the Tourism Sector
The Prime Minister, Head of Government, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, presided over the official opening ceremony of the 16th edition of the Ouagadougou International Tourism and Hospitality Fair (SITHO).
Under the theme “Financing Infrastructure Projects: A Catalyst for Tourism Development,” this year’s event emphasizes the mobilization of investments to support the development of the tourism sector.
Speaking on behalf of the special guest countries, the Malian Minister of Crafts, Culture, the Hospitality Industry, and Tourism, Mamou Daffé, praised the fair and highlighted the significant tourism potential of the countries in the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES). He called on the various stakeholders to strengthen their collaborative efforts to promote tourism development in the Sahel region.
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized the role of tourism in promoting cultural identity, mutual understanding, the discovery and preservation of heritage, and the protection of natural resources.
“Tourism is a driver of regional development and infrastructure modernization,” he noted, calling for a strong focus on investment in this sector.
Beyond its economic dimension, SITHO 2026 also aims to serve as a forum for cooperation, the sharing of experiences, and the development of tourism projects within the AES region.
The Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, for his part, praised the successful opening of this 16th edition. The fair features approximately 150 booths and 500 exhibitors, with nearly 50,000 visitors expected.
He invited the people of Burkina Faso to visit the SIAO website to explore the various exhibitions and discover the rich tourism offerings of the different regions of Burkina Faso.
From September 22 to 27, 2026, SITHO will feature trade exhibitions, B2B meetings, tourist excursions and packages, contests, days dedicated to special guest countries, as well as cultural evenings and culinary experiences.
