The Ouagadougou International Crafts Fair (SIAO) and the Burkinabè National Tourism Office (ONTB) signed an agreement on Tuesday to promote culture and crafts, in order to optimize the economic benefits.According to the Director General (DG) of SIAO, Mariam Traoré/Ouédraogo, this memorandum of understanding will allow its structure to act in synergy with ONTB to promote crafts and tourism.Ms. Traoré affirmed that through this agreement, the SIAO is committed to integrating actions into the organization of the ONTB that will promote the cultural heritage of Burkina.The DG of SIAO spoke on Tuesday in Ouagadougou, during a press conference on the signing of an agreement between its structure and ONTB to promote Burkinabè culture.Listening to him, this strategic collaboration, which has existed for twenty years, is formalized for the first time in order to optimize the economic and cultural benefits for Burkina Faso.Mariam Traoré also specified that the 17th edition of SIAO, which will be held from Oct ober 25 to November 3, 2024, will highlight youth entrepreneurship and empowerment, under the theme 'African crafts, youth entrepreneurship and empowerment' .The director general of ONTB, Sulaiman Kagoné, for his part, indicated that this partnership aims to promote the artisanal heritage of Burkina Faso by strengthening tourist circuits.He also mentioned the importance of promoting hotels and catering establishments to accommodate the many visitors during major cultural events.'The strengthening of this cooperation aims to better structure and sustain the reception of festival-goers, while contributing to the promotion of the brand image of Burkina Faso,' maintained Mr. Kagoné.The ONTB's top official noted that joint efforts will help to discover or rediscover the tourist sites and artisanal riches of Burkina Faso.Source: Burkina Information Agency