Casamance: the tourism sector hampered by isolation and broken promises

Despite its idyllic beaches, lush mangroves, and exceptionally rich historical heritage, Casamance still struggles to establish itself as the major tourist destination it should be. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, industry stakeholders strongly denounced its persistent isolation, inadequate infrastructure, and a series of unfulfilled ministerial promises.

Addressing Minister Alpha Thiam, who was present, directly, regional professionals painted an alarming picture of their working conditions. "It's time to put an end to this charade with Air Senegal," insisted Alain Fiacre Badji, president of the Ziguinchor tourism board, denouncing the exorbitant cost of airfares and the unreliability of airlines serving the South. According to him, traveling to Cap Skirring is now more financially prohibitive than flying to competing international destinations, a major obstacle for both foreign and domestic customers.

Crisis in maritime transport and neglect of road infrastructure

The region's isolation from air travel is compounded by a marked deterioration in maritime and road connections. "Today, only one ship provides service between Dakar and Ziguinchor, compared to three previously," notes Alain Fiacre Badji. On the land network, the dilapidated state of the roads, particularly the strategic Ziguinchor–Kafountine section, transforms travel into a veritable logistical ordeal.

Adding to this picture is the prolonged closure of iconic hotels, such as the Royal and the Kabrousse Hotel, left abandoned despite strong overall demand. This situation is incomprehensible to local stakeholders, given the region's unique potential, which combines seaside tourism, ecotourism, and cultural and historical tourism.

Cap Skirring faces the competitiveness gap with Gambia

Antoine Diatta, manager of the La Marsu hotel, expresses the general frustration of professionals with government inaction: "Every year, the minister comes, gives speeches, and leaves without anything changing." For this hotelier, the absolute priority lies in establishing regular, affordable air links connected to international flights.

He points to the lack of competitive pricing of local infrastructure compared to neighboring airports. "Why does Cap Skirring airport charge higher fees than Gambia's airport, located in the same geographical area?" he asks. As a result of these cost discrepancies, nearly 90% of customers opt for flights transiting through Gambia, which is more affordable.

An emergency action plan demanded by the profession

Faced with this crisis, tourism operators are demanding a radical change of course. They are calling for the restoration of an adequate maritime fleet between Dakar and Ziguinchor, the urgent rehabilitation of the Kafountine road, a recovery plan for the reopening of closed tourist accommodations, and an incentive policy to promote domestic tourism.

For the profession, the time for declarations of intent is over; now is the time for the implementation of a concrete emergency plan, a prerequisite for saving jobs in the sector and making Casamance the true engine of tourism in Senegal.