Ouagadougou: On the occasion of the launch of the 4th edition of the Great Domestic Tourism Season, the Tourism Train embarked hundreds of passengers this Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Ouagadougou railway station, bound for Bobo-Dioulasso. The event is scheduled from July 4 to 5, 2026, in Samendeni.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the launch of the Tourism Train was carried out by the representative of the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, technical advisor Abdoulaye Dioni. The event saw the presence of the Director General of Sitarail, the Director General of Faso Tourisme, and customary authorities. The train service is part of a partnership involving Sitarail, the Ministry, and Faso Tourisme, aimed at promoting domestic tourism and showcasing Burkina Faso's cultural and touristic heritage.
The passengers enjoyed a festive atmosphere as they boarded carriages specially decorated for the occasion. For some, it was their first train journey, and they expressed satisfaction with the experience. Sitarail's Director General, Simplice Essoha, noted that the initiative continues from the Culture Train organized during the 2026 National Culture Week. He emphasized the company's commitment to using the railway to discover national heritage and boost the local economy through domestic tourism.
Essoha highlighted that the initiative aligns with the corporate social responsibility policy of Sitarail and its parent company, Africa Global Logistics (AGL). The company supports the authorities' efforts towards economic and social development.
The representative of the Minister, Abdoulaye Dioni, commended Sitarail's civic gesture of providing free transport for participants in the launch ceremony. He emphasized that the Great Domestic Tourism Season encourages Burkinabe people to explore the country's cultural and touristic wealth, aiming to make tourism a driver for economic development and social cohesion.
Dioni called on transport companies to follow this initiative to enhance service to tourist hubs in Burkina Faso. He also encouraged travellers to become ambassadors for national tourism by sharing their experiences and motivating others to visit the country's tourist sites.
The Great Domestic Tourism Season focuses on promoting Burkina Faso as a destination and increasing visitor numbers to national tourist sites.