The Senegalese tourism sector, an important pillar of the national economy, is going through a particularly difficult period, according to an analysis published by Le Soleil. This situation, marked by an unfavourable world economic situation and internal challenges, highlights the many structural failures that weaken an industry that is nevertheless a source of growth and employment. The reduction in international tourist flows, combined with persistent inflation and a decline in purchasing power in the sending countries, is holding back the arrival of visitors. In addition, geopolitical instability and security constraints in certain regions of West Africa affect the attractiveness of Senegal as a destination. Internally, several structural problems continue to weigh on the competitiveness of the sector. The high cost of airline tickets and hotel services, combined with a deficit in modern infrastructure, hampers the development of mass tourism. In addition, there are shortcomings in the international promotion of Senegal as a destination, which is often overshadowed by other African countries that are better structured in terms of marketing and tourist offer. Faced with this situation, the government and the actors of the sector are multiplying the initiatives to revive the activity.
The tourism sector in Senegal: a challenge
