Ouagadougou: Tourism stakeholders unite to have a greater influence on sector governance. Norbert Nahini Nassouri, technical advisor to the governor of the Nakamb region, presided over the meeting to establish the Regional Federation of Tourism Actors (FRAT) of Nakamb on Tuesday in Tenkodogo. The ceremony took place in the presence of the director of tourism industry development, Kadr Sawadogo, and the regional director of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism of Nakamb. At the end of the proceedings, Jean Baptiste Ouambi Zemba was elected president of the new structure.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this initiative responds to the observation of fragmentation among actors in the sector. While these actors are already organized into associations or federations, they have not previously had a common umbrella framework to address their concerns in a coordinated manner. Kadr Sawadogo explained that the approach aims to strengthen the structuring of the sector in accordance with the regulatory framework in force, by grouping professionals by sector and by setting up, in each region, a federation of associations involved in the field of tourism.
"The administration cannot manage the tourism sector on its own," Sawadogo stressed, emphasizing that private actors must take part in its governance, with the administration providing a role of guidance, monitoring, and support. The new federation's mission is to foster cohesion, dialogue, training, information, and the sharing of experiences among professionals. It aims to provide a common framework for the various tourism professions, including accommodation, catering, travel, leisure tourism, guiding, and reception.
Mr. Sawadogo further explained that this regional structure is part of a national framework comprising national unions for each sector and regional federations. These organizations should ultimately lead to the establishment of a National Confederation of Tourism Stakeholders, which will become the primary point of contact for the government. Speaking at the event, the new president of FRAT-Nakamb, Jean Baptiste Ouambi Zemba, thanked the participants for the trust placed in him and pledged, along with his office, to remain attentive to concerns and innovative ideas. "Together, we will grow, innovate and promote tourism in our region," he said.
The establishment of FRAT-Nakamb marks an important step in the desire of private actors to provide themselves with a common framework for consultation and representation. The officials present invited all professionals to prioritize unity, commitment, and the common good to promote the development of tourism in the region.