Tourism in Senegal: ten key reforms to redefine the future and strengthen (…)

As a reference platform for 25 years in the country’s tourism promotion, we have closely observed the developments and challenges that mark this strategic area. The time is not simply for administrative reform, but for a global overhaul of the Senegalese tourism model, capable of reconciling economic profitability and national dignity.

Tourism development program

The first cornerstone of thriving tourism lies in the establishment of a clear and ambitious tourism development program. Senegal must imperatively direct its efforts towards the development of hitherto underexploited regions such as Casamance, Fouta, eastern Senegal and the center of the country.

These areas are full of natural and cultural potential, but suffer from a glaring lack of suitable infrastructure. According to CapMad, tourism represented, in 2019, 7% of Senegalese GDP, with revenues estimated at nearly 500 billion FCFA (833.3 million USD).

Thus, the State would benefit from merging public agencies such as the Senegalese Tourism Promotion Agency (ASPT) and the Society for the Development and Promotion of Coasts and Tourist Zones of Senegal (SAPCO). Such synergy would make it possible to concentrate investments and defend national interests against the appetites of large international groups. Tourism remains Senegal’s second source of income after fishing.

Aid and investment funds

In 2018, Senegal launched the tourism and business development project (PDTE). This project was intended to create the conditions necessary for an increase in private investment in tourism in Saly and the enhanced development of businesses in Senegal. For funding of 74 million dollars (more than 40 billion CFA francs), has this project truly succeeded in its mission as a facilitator?

Furthermore, it is becoming urgent to create an aid and investment fund specifically intended for local entrepreneurs. Today, the average cost of a medium-sized tourism project oscillates between 100 and 500 million FCFA, amounts that are difficult to access for Senegalese project leaders. The interest rates charged by Senegalese banks are around 10%, which constitutes a major obstacle. For comparison, Morocco offers credits at a reduced rate of 3% via its Moroccan Tourism Development Fund.

Establishing similar low-rate credits for Senegalese people would encourage the emergence of competitive local structures, thus strengthening the country’s economic sovereignty.

Make tourist operating licenses accessible.

Simplifying administrative procedures for obtaining tourism and hotel operating licenses must become a national priority. Too often, the procedures are long and dissuasive, discouraging young entrepreneurs wishing to enter this sector.

The digitalization of these procedures would constitute a lever for modernization to boost the Senegalese tourism industry.

Upgrading of tourist places and artisanal villages

The revaluation of cultural and tourist sites is also an imperative. Currently, nearly 80% of tourists are concentrated in the Dakar region and Petite-Côte, leaving gems like Casamance, Fouta and eastern Senegal on the fringes of tourist circuits. However, the economic potential of these areas is considerable.

On the other hand, Gorée, which welcomes nearly 200,000 visitors per year, could triple its income linked to ancillary activities if a better heritage promotion policy were put in place.

Crafts, a pillar of Senegalese cultural identity, deserve special attention.

According to a survey by the Senegalese Tourism Promotion Agency (ASPT), 65% of objects sold in Senegalese artisanal villages are imported, which harms the authenticity perceived by tourists, thus diluting the authenticity of the tourist offer . It is necessary to restructure these villages by highlighting local know-how, while financially supporting artisans in order to guarantee original and quality products. Note that crafts represent 2% of GDP in Senegal.

Promotion of events

Cultural and sporting events represent another strategic lever. The Saint-Louis Jazz Festival, the Dakar Biennale and the Saint-Louis regattas constitute exceptional showcases for the country. These events, which attract thousands of visitors, should benefit from increased support from the state.

In 2022, Senegalese authorities counted 1.8 million tourists in total, including local tourists, highlighting the importance of cultural and sporting events in attracting visitors.

Better organization and promotion of these events would maximize local economic benefits.

Rehabilitation of National Parks

The rehabilitation of national parks and marine protected areas must also be a top priority. Parks like Niokolo-Koba or Djoudj, listed as UNESCO world heritage sites, suffer from chronic underinvestment. The Niokolo-Koba park, classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, saw its attendance rate drop by 50% between 2000 and 2020 due to the lack of infrastructure.

In addition, Senegal ranks 107th in the world (+2 places) out of 119 and 13th out of 19 in Africa in the 2024 edition of the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI), showing an increase of 2.5% in its score since 2019. , which highlights the need to strengthen tourism infrastructure. While in Tanzania for example, national parks generate 20% of tourism revenue. Senegal, which nevertheless has exceptional biodiversity, must take inspiration from this example to rehabilitate its natural sites.

Training

Tourism is establishing itself as one of the key drivers of the Senegalese economy, ranking second behind fishing. However, the development of the sector is hampered by a glaring lack of professional training.

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 70% of tourism jobs require specialized skills. However, in Senegal, only 3% of players in the sector have adequate training (ANSD, 2020). This insufficiency is particularly marked in rural areas, where the demand for tourist guides

The strengthening of professional capacities and the qualification of the workforce therefore constitute essential levers to boost Senegalese tourism.

Environmental brigades

The question of cleanliness and the environment cannot be avoided. Surveys carried out among visitors reveal that unsanitary conditions constitute one of the main obstacles to tourism development. Despite this issue being of paramount importance does not appear to be a concern for the tourism promotion agency.

The establishment of environmental brigades dedicated to the cleanliness of tourist sites, like what is done in certain large metropolises, would provide an effective response to this problem.

Performance objectives

The Senegalese state must finally set clear performance objectives for the ministers responsible for tourism. Each minister should be evaluated on the basis of the number of visitors hosted and revenue generated, similar to the strategy adopted by Kenya.

In 2019, Senegal welcomed 1.7 million tourists, generating 360 billion FCFA. Official reports provide statistical data to evaluate this performance.

Communication and awareness

Finally, effective communication on the eco-responsible commitment of tourist establishments is essential as a major vector of attraction.

Booking.com shows in 2022 that 72% of travelers are looking for environmentally friendly options. However, only 10% of Senegalese hotels are certified eco-responsible. This global trend offers a unique opportunity to position Senegal as a sustainable and attractive destination.

The development of the Senegalese tourism sector cannot be limited to visa reform. This is a major project requiring strategic investments.

NB : “Reforming visas without rebuilding the foundations of tourism means wanting to attract the world without opening doors to them. »