Senegal launched the 2023-2024 tourist season at the end of October. It’s a season full of optimism with the goal of reaching three million visitors by the end of the year.

IGFM – (Dakar) Senegal launched the 2023-2024 tourist season at the end of October. It’s a season full of optimism with the goal of reaching three million visitors by the end of the year. In this interview, Mohamadou Manel Fall, the director of tourist promotion, has revealed some of the ambitions to make Senegal a preferred destination in the sub-region.

After the official opening of the tourist season in Cap Skiring, what is special about this season?

This season is characterized by the phenomenon of “travel revenge” following the post-COVID period. Senegal has implemented targeted strategies to conquer new markets such as the United States and Canada. Additionally, there is a focus on eco-responsible tourism, emphasizing a sustainable approach. To support this trend, the country has a relatively sufficient hotel capacity, with the introduction of new establishments like Riu Baobab, thus meeting the growing demand of travelers.

With the pre-electoral context, have measures been taken for the smooth running of the season?

Firstly, security measures have been strengthened with regular checks on establishments and a classification carried out by the Directorate of Tourist Regulation, aiming to assess compliance with standards and the quality of services offered. In parallel, special attention has been paid to the hygiene of travelers, while establishing continuous travel monitoring to gather information and suggestions from tourists. To facilitate travel, new airports, such as the one in Saint-Louis, have been opened, and high-quality infrastructure has been developed. Furthermore, payment facilities have been offered thanks to Senegal’s fintech. Simultaneously, an increased digital presence has been established to facilitate the choice of thematic circuits, with the imminent launch of the “Visit Senegal” app. Moreover, a new tourism code is being developed to strengthen the regulation of the sector, establish stricter standards, promote sustainable development, protect natural and cultural heritage, and regulate the tourism industry to ensure an ethical and quality experience.

Is there a map of tourist attendance?

Indeed, Senegal has a map of tourist attendance, divided into six specific zones, each offering its distinct features: Each tourist zone offers a variety of types of tourism. Thus, we find cultural and urban tourism in Dakar, beach and religious tourism on the Petite Côte, natural and picturesque tourism in Eastern Senegal, heritage and cultural tourism in Saint-Louis, ecotourism in Sine Saloum, and finally, a unique combination of natural and cultural sites to explore in the Casamance region. Dakar, the country’s capital, is the first tourist zone. It is the beating heart of Senegal, a city of a thousand colors and faces. With its lively alleys, colorful markets, and fine sandy beaches, Dakar is a city that breathes life. The Petite-Côte, meanwhile, is a 150-kilometer-long coastal strip lined with white sandy beaches, peaceful lagoons, and picturesque fishing villages. It’s a true paradise for sea lovers, surfers, and swimmers. Sine Saloum: An emerging destination favored by ecotourism enthusiasts, offering nature-focused experiences with the presence of bays and mangroves. The region of Saint-Louis is a true historical gem. It is located in the north of the country, where the Senegal River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. This region is rich in cultural heritage, with its colonial buildings, museums, and world-renowned festivals. The Casamance region, a region of greenery and culture. It is famous for its lush forests, peaceful rivers, and white sandy beaches. It’s an ideal place to relax, immerse oneself in local culture, and discover the region’s artisanal talents. The Eastern Senegal region is a true haven of peace for nature lovers. This region is located in the east of the country and is home to the Niokolo-Koba National Park, a nature reserve where one can observe rare species such as lions, elephants, and chimpanzees.

In terms of promotion and development, do you have forecasted data and statistics compared to previous years?

This year, our promotion and development strategy has relied on precise data rather than assumptions. Thanks to an in-depth analysis based on the TOMSTER model, we have identified distinct trends and promising markets such as Europe with France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, England, and Germany on the rise. The United States has also shown strong enthusiasm, particularly among the African American traveler community, as well as Canada. Asian countries, with China at the forefront, are expressing growing interest, without neglecting the importance of countries in the sub-region such as Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Morocco. In July 2023, data from the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD) recorded the arrival of 1,829,907 visitors through the three main airports, exceeding our forecasts. This promising figure indicates a solid path towards our goal of 3 million tourists, a target achievable before the end of the year. Our optimism is reinforced by the growth of local tourism, suggesting the possibility of exceeding 3 million visitors, thus strengthening Senegal’s status as an essential tourist destination.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on the tourism sector, what are today’s challenges?

The challenges of the tourism sector are universal as the repercussions of the pandemic persist globally. However, the state is actively committed to overcoming these difficulties by implementing significant measures. The effects of the pandemic continue to influence travel and tourism, but considerable efforts are being made thanks to the Hotel Credit Fund to support the entire value chain of the sector. This commitment aims to overcome the persistent challenges faced by tourism stakeholders, such as post-pandemic recovery, business resilience, restoring traveler confidence, and creating safe and stable environments for visitors and tourism operators. These initiatives aim to revitalize the tourism industry and support its long-term growth despite the ongoing difficulties related to the pandemic.”