Dakar set to host the first International Coastal and Cruise Tourism Fair in November
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is preparing to host the inaugural edition of the International Coastal and Cruise Tourism Fair (SATOLIC) from November 20 to 23, 2024. This unique event will take place at the Place du Souvenir Africain and will bring together key players in coastal tourism and the cruise industry.
A Platform to Promote Cruise Tourism in West Africa
SATOLIC aims to become a landmark event in West Africa for coastal tourism. The fair will gather tourism professionals, national tourism boards, travel agencies, cruise operators, training centers, media companies, and influencers in the industry. According to the press release, this gathering is designed to provide a space for dialogue and development around the expanding potential of cruise tourism in West Africa, with a special focus on Senegal.
Senegal: A Strategic Hub for International Cruises
Thanks to its central geographical position, Dakar holds strategic assets that make it a popular stop for international cruise companies. Every year, the Senegalese capital welcomes over twenty cruise ships, allowing visitors to explore the cultural and historical riches of Senegal. This “key hub” position gives Dakar’s port a pivotal role in the development of tourism in West Africa, and this fair aims to strengthen that position by establishing Senegal as a must-see destination for international travelers seeking maritime adventures.
An Interstate Cruise to Explore West Africa
One of the flagship projects highlighted at SATOLIC is the launch of an interstate cruise connecting Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Cape Verde. This unique maritime circuit will offer travelers an immersive experience by showcasing the cultural, historical, and natural diversity of multiple West African countries. This “odyssey” will combine the pleasures of maritime stops with the flexibility of air travel, introducing a new way to travel and explore the region. This initiative will be supported by an air bridge to facilitate movement between participating countries, thus redefining the tourism experience in West Africa.
“Senegal at a Click”: A Digital Platform to Simplify Travel
The event will also serve as a launch pad for “Senegal at a Click,” a new digital platform developed by the Senegalese Tourism Promotion Agency (ASPT). This innovative tool aims to simplify access to information and trip planning in Senegal, offering visitors an interactive and intuitive experience. According to the press release, this platform will help energize the tourism offering and optimize existing port infrastructure to better meet the growing demands of travelers.
A Showcase for Innovations and Key Players in Tourism
SATOLIC also aspires to be a space for innovation in the tourism sector, showcasing new technologies, logistics services, and promotional initiatives. The fair will host transport companies, tech services, and financial institutions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between diverse players for the development of regional tourism. The fair will allow world-class experts to share their insights and expertise with local professionals, enhancing the skills and knowledge within the sector.
A Transformative Event for Sub-Regional Tourism
The International Coastal and Cruise Tourism Fair is an ambitious initiative poised to revolutionize coastal and maritime tourism in West Africa. By uniting actors from diverse sectors around a shared vision, SATOLIC promises not only to position Senegal as an essential cruise destination but also to stimulate the tourism economy of the entire sub-region.
Thus, Dakar is set to become a crucial crossroads for international tourism, with an ambitious vision to develop cruise tourism in West Africa and a commitment to making this sector an economic driver for Senegal and its neighbors.