Cultural and Artisanal Clustering as a Catalyst for Urban Tourism: The RICATs Initiative in Redefining Dakar's Tourism Identity and Revitalization

Abstract

Dakar’s tourism sector remains largely dependent on coastal and seasonal tourism, limiting diversification and underutilizing the city’s cultural and artisanal assets. Fragmented governance, weak cross-sector coordination, and infrastructural constraints further hinder the development of a competitive urban tourism model. This study examines the RICATs (Rencontres Internationales de la Culture, de l’Artisanat et du Tourisme) initiative as a cluster-based approach integrating tourism, culture, and crafts within Dakar’s urban tourism ecosystem. Using a qualitative case study methodology, the research draws on 32 semi-structured interviews, participant observation conducted between 2020 and 2023, and analysis of policy and sectoral data. Findings indicate that the cluster approach enhances cross-sector collaboration, diversifies tourism experiences, and increases visitor engagement with cultural and artisanal products. However, governance fragmentation, infrastructural limitations, and uneven stakeholder participation remain significant barriers. The study argues that cultural density and intangible heritage can strengthen urban tourism competitiveness in Global South cities when supported by coherent institutional frameworks.