Ouagadougou: The Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Pingdwend Gilbert Oudraogo, representing the Prime Minister, officially opened the Forum of Tourism Stakeholders of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) on Wednesday in Ouagadougou, organized on the sidelines of the 16th edition of the Ouagadougou International Tourism and Hospitality Fair (SITHO).
According to Burkina Information Agency, Held under the theme "Integrated Investment and Economic Sovereignty: Building a Competitive Sahelian Tourist Destination", the meeting brings together tourism stakeholders from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
At the opening of the proceedings, Minister Pingdwend Gilbert Oudraogo highlighted the significant tourism potential of the three countries, including their natural, cultural and historical heritage, as well as their crafts, gastronomy and traditional know-how.
He called for networking these potential assets to build a more diversified and competitive Sahelian tourism offering. He also emphasized the professionalization of the sector, capacity building for stakeholders, infrastructure improvements, and the establishment of appropriate financing mechanisms.
The minister also advocated for greater involvement of the private sector, universities, training centers, and local communities in tourism development. He believes that public-private partnerships should help stimulate investment, innovation, and job creation.
In his address, Bassolma Bazi, President of the National Commission of the Confederation of Sahel States in Burkina Faso and patron of the forum, stated that tourism can be a significant driver of economic integration between the three states. He highlighted the potential of their natural, cultural, and historical heritage, as well as their crafts, artistic expressions, and local expertise.
He also called for better leveraging of these resources through a common approach, including the promotion of local and regional investment, the strengthening of businesses and job creation, particularly for young people.
Bassolma Bazi finally reaffirmed the willingness of the National Commission of the Confederation of Sahel States to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the tourism potential of the three countries and building a more integrated Sahelian tourism offer.
The work should enable participants to formulate proposals and identify mechanisms for collaboration in order to strengthen tourism cooperation between Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and to promote the emergence of an integrated Sahelian tourist destination.