Both points of view are valid; we cannot ignore the potential impact of local events, but it is true that for some trips, this impact is conditional and not decisive.
It is relevant to consider cultural or sporting events for leisure trips, as they can change the experience entirely, affecting availability and prices.
However, for a professional trip such as attending a conference in Dakar, the schedule is often set in advance and logistics take precedence, making the impact of a traditional wrestling festival secondary, even if it can add a cost.
The real task is to evaluate the purpose of the trip before assigning excessive weight to events on the itinerary.
For example, a consultant coming for an urgent mission to Abidjan will have their reservations made well in advance, regardless of the carnival.