In 2000, receipts of FCFA 96.8 billion (US29 million) ranked the tourism sector in Senegal second after fishing and before groundnuts and phosphates. Tourism generated about 12,000 jobs directly and 18,000 indirectly, and contributed 2.5 percent of GDP. Recent history shows a sector that is growing but also losing market share in an expanding international and regional market. Senegal is counting on tourism to contribute to foreign exchange earnings, employment and tax generation, regional development, and to stimulate growth and reduce poverty alleviation. To attract investment, the government is creating the conditions for a sound policy framework for tourism. It is strengthening the dialogue between the public and private sectors and local stakeholders, and building consensus within government on the benefits from an expanded tourism sector.