Ouagadougou:The 16th edition of the Ouagadougou International Tourism and Hospitality Fair (SITHO) concluded on Saturday evening at the SIAO exhibition park. The event announced the Dj´r´ region as the guest of honor for the next edition scheduled for 2027.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the fair gathered 138 stands and hosted 277 participants in public tourist excursions. The event, held from September 22 to 27 under the theme "Financing Structuring Projects: A Lever for Tourism Development," also featured tourism and hospitality stakeholders, along with delegations from Mali and Niger, as special guests.
The Minister of Tourism, Pingdwend Gilbert Oudraogo, commended the successful organization of the fair and the active involvement of stakeholders, emphasizing the connections made between project promoters and financial institutions. He also appreciated the participation of the special guest countries, Mali and Niger.
Sulaman Kagon, Director General of Faso Tourism, acknowledged the commitment of stakeholders, partners, and the national organizing committee. The closing ceremony was highlighted by artistic performances and the presentation of certificates to pioneers of SITHO and other sector contributors.
Certificates were awarded to four individuals for their contributions to tourism development: Fassano Kambiri of Don Camillo hotel, Noufou Compaor of the ICHARA eco-farm, Stella Christiane Drabo, former marketing director of the Burkina Faso National Tourism Office (ONTB), and Issaka Derm, former ONTB director general.
Special prizes were also distributed, including the FENARHO-B Special Prize for Culinary Innovation to Samak¨ Yahya from Mali, the Maggi Special Prize for Culinary Creativity to Nacoulma La from Koubri, and a prize for local products to Elola Bintou from Bankui-Sourou. The AMADEUS Special Prize for the best travel and tourism agency stand went to FAMAYA Voyages from Kadiogo.
The 17th edition of SITHO is planned for 2027, centering on the theme "Heritage, hospitality and integration: tourism at the service of territorial development," featuring the Dj´r´ region as the guest of honor.