Africa’s tourism industry marked a major milestone as the inaugural edition of the African Tourism Markets Expo (SMTA) 2025 officially opened in Dakar, Senegal, drawing stakeholders from across the continent to the iconic Grand Theatre.
The event, which is hosting its first-ever gathering, aims to strengthen collaboration, expand market access, and spotlight Africa’s growing influence as a global tourism powerhouse.
Delegates, exhibitors, policymakers, investors, international experts, partner countries, and foreign delegations for strategic panels, B2B meetings, exhibitions, and destination promotion activities,converged in Dakar to explore new opportunities for trade, innovation, and sustainable development within the sector.
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This major event brings together institutions, tourism professionals, investors, international experts, partner countries, and foreign delegations for strategic panels, B2B meetings, exhibitions, official launches, and destination promotion activities.
During the coming days, discussions will focus on developing coastal and cruise tourism in West Africa, financing tourism competitiveness, and gastronomy as a tool for tourism promotion, among other relevant topics.
The Gambian delegation to this important event is headed by Honourable Abdoulie Jobe, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture.
