Dakar, Senegal – From November 28 to 29, 2024, the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts, through the Directorate of Tourism Promotion, organized a strategic workshop at the Fleur de Lys Hotel, Almadies, on the Revitalization of Internal Tourism. The main goal of this event was to define a national strategy to rejuvenate domestic tourism, a key sector for Senegal’s economic development.

A Strategic Workshop for Sustainable Tourism

The workshop brought together key players in the tourism sector, including public and private sector representatives, micro-entrepreneurs, startups, and financial partners. The goal was to foster constructive dialogue to identify obstacles to the development of internal tourism and propose concrete and sustainable solutions.

This event aligns with the new orientations of the Senegal 2050 Framework, aiming to position internal tourism as a strategic lever for the country’s economic and social development.

Main Objectives of the Workshop

Participants worked together to achieve several key objectives:

1. Identifying Sector Constraints: Analyzing current barriers that hinder the growth of domestic tourism, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited accessibility, and low public awareness.
2. Developing a Revitalization Strategy: Defining a roadmap for the short, medium, and long term to revive the sector, with a focus on improving the tourism offer, diversifying products and services, and ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources.
3. Proposing Mechanisms for Social Inclusion: Creating solutions to make domestic tourism accessible to all social groups, particularly vulnerable populations, and promoting more inclusive and equitable tourism. This could include initiatives to facilitate access for youth, people with disabilities, and rural populations.

Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism

The workshop laid the foundation for a true revitalization strategy for internal tourism, aiming to enhance social inclusivity and promote sustainable tourism. The goal is to build a tourism sector that benefits both local communities and the national economy, while preserving Senegal’s environment and cultural resources.

Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve these goals. Revitalizing domestic tourism must be a collective effort, supported by investments in infrastructure, training, and the promotion of Senegal’s cultural wealth.

A Promising Sector for Senegal’s Development

This workshop is a key step in structuring a sustainable and inclusive internal tourism sector that can drive growth and prosperity for Senegalese communities. By focusing on the revitalization of domestic tourism, Senegal is committed to offering better accessibility to national travelers while contributing to the socio-economic development of its regions, particularly those in remote areas.

In conclusion, this initiative marks a turning point for the Senegalese tourism sector, with ambitious growth prospects and practical solutions to make internal tourism a driver of sustainable and inclusive development.