Geneva, 5 June 2009 - Burkina Faso has a rich cultural heritage, a tradition of hospitality and a location at the crossroads of a region that is attracting growing numbers of tourists. These assets can be exploited by the tourism sector to combat poverty in this West African country, and as part of a global initiative in West Africa, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is organizing an e-tourism training course in Ouagadougou from 8 to 12 June 2009. The course is for decision makers and professionals from public and private bodies in the tourism sector.
UNCTAD experts will present information and communication technology (ICT) tools that can be used by Burkina Faso to support its tourism services and draw up a practical action plan to manage and promote tourism.
The use of ICT and the Internet can improve the image of tourist destinations, encourage the development of public-private partnerships and enhance professionals´ knowledge of various promotion, positioning, and marketing opportunities. It also makes it possible to assess and select management models best suited to a country´s situation, thereby raising its profile as a tourist destination on the Internet.
In particular, participants in the course will learn how to use free software developed and supplied by UNCTAD that can serve as the core component of an e-tourism platform. They also will be given the chance to practice their skills in an interactive and dynamic exchange that brings together theory and practice (discussions, case studies, exchange of best practices, simulations, and practical exercises), so that they gain a better understanding of the practicalities of e-tourism.
UNCTAD launched its e-tourism initiative in 2004 to help least developed countries take responsibility for promoting their own tourism services using ICT. In the case of Burkina Faso, this means designing a model for autonomous development adapted to its needs so that tourism becomes economically and socially beneficial for the local population. The knock on effects of a tourism sector run by and for the people of Burkina Faso can be significant for poverty reduction and showcasing the country´s cultural heritage.
