International Tourism Exhibition of Abidjan 2018 (SITA)

The 8^th edition of the International Tourism Exhibition of Abidjan (SITA), held from April 27th to May 1^st 2018 was launched by the Vice President of Côte d’Ivoire, H. E. Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan and welcomed international tourism stakeholders from 25 countries (Africa, Asia and Europe) and hosted more than 250 exhibitors.

The presence of the Vice-President of the Republic at the opening of the fair sends a strong message on the firm level of commitment that the government has for the tourism sector. Côte d'Ivoire is a country which boasts the third-biggest meetings industry in terms of revenue in Africa. The tourism strategy "Sublime Côte d'Ivoire 2018-2025" which has been launched recently will allow it to position the destination both regionally and internationally as an emerging market and new tourism destination.

This year’s forum and main panel, in which Ms. Elcia Grandcourt, UNWTO Director Department for Africa participated, focused on “the use of new technologies in the tourist sector”, a theme that aligns with the UNWTO strategy on Innovation and Digital Transformation and highlights the importance of ICT development as the single biggest driver of global change.

In addition, the SITA offered many side events such as concerts, sports activities or gastronomic events that represented the best of Ivorian tourism and culture.

The significant progress that Côte d’Ivoire has made in the development of its tourism sector will definitely position the country on the right path towards their wish of making tourism their third economic sector.