Bama: The Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo, invited the Burkinabe people on Saturday to discover their culture, their identity, and to take ownership of their common heritage, during the official launch of the 4th edition of the Great Domestic Tourism Season (GSTI), on the banks of the Samendeni dam, in the commune of Bama.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the theme of this edition, "Domestic tourism, a lever for enhancing heritage and local development in Burkina Faso," calls on citizens to better understand the country's cultural and touristic riches while contributing to the development of local economies.
The minister emphasized that domestic tourism is a catalyst for wealth creation, preservation of cultural and natural heritage, and strengthening the sense of national belonging. "Every trip taken by a Burkinabe within the country stimulates a value chain that benefits accommodation establishments, restaurants, artisans, transporters, guides, local producers, and many other actors in the territorial economy," he stated.
He also noted a significant 177% increase in visits to tourist sites in 2025, encouraging all Burkinabe to become more involved in promoting domestic tourism.
For the Director General of the Faso Tourism Agency, Soulaman Kagone, this initiative aims to inspire Burkinabe people to discover the many tourist sites and the rich cultural heritage of the country. He explained the choice of Samendeni for the launch was due to the many attractions the site offers, including canoe trips, jet skiing, floating cages, the sale of fresh fish, as well as leisure and relaxation areas.
Mr. Kagone also announced that during the three months of the Great Domestic Tourism Season (July, August, and September), Faso Tourisme will offer excursions, tourist circuits, and offers at affordable prices to allow as many people as possible to visit the cultural and tourist sites of Burkina Faso, including through day trips.
He expressed his gratitude to the media, administrative authorities, local authorities, and members of the Government for their commitment to promoting Burkina Faso as a destination.