Tenkodogo: The Minister in charge of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mr. Pingdwend© Gilbert Ou©draogo, officially launched the 3rd edition of the Great Domestic Tourism Season in Burkina Faso on Saturday in Tenkodogo. This initiative, led by the Faso Tourism Agency, aims to promote local tourism potential, strengthen social cohesion, and stimulate the revival of the tourism sector, which has been severely affected in recent years.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the national campaign aims to encourage visits to tourist establishments and enable Burkinabe people, particularly young people, to discover the cultural and historical riches of the country. Following the launch ceremony, officials were given a guided tour of the royal court of Tenkodogo. The palace's communications officer explained the historical significance of the king's shed and the Pougkima hut.
The delegation then proceeded to the courtyard of the Garango chief, who was unable to attend, where they were welcomed by representatives of Naaba Koom. Subsequently, they continued their visit by climbing Mount Boulgou. The program concluded in Komto¨ga, specifically in Yaoghin, in front of the mausoleum of Naaba Zoungrana, an illustrious figure of the first Mossi kingdom. There, the procession was compelled by a swarm of bees to pay their respects promptly before discovering the place where, according to tradition, Naaba Zoungrana is said to have "disappeared into a rock not far from the mausoleum."
Minister Pingdwend© Gilbert Ou©draogo remarked, "This outing was not in vain. Next to the mausoleum, the wise men showed us the place where Naaba Zoungrana disappeared. History reminds us that he sank into the rock. We experienced a rich cultural and tourist experience, and the Burkinabe deserve to come and experience it for themselves. This Great Tourism Season is a wonderful opportunity. Come to Burkina Faso, a land of hospitality, a country of peace, a country of hope."
He added that, under the leadership of His Excellency Captain Ibrahim Traor©, the government is working to make Burkina Faso an El Dorado for visitors from around the world. A major innovation of this edition was the organization of a photography competition, won by Ms. Afissatou Sourabi© with her photo entitled "The Soul of Dioulassoba."
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the President of the Constitutional Council, Ma®tre Barth©l©my K©r©; the Minister of Infrastructure and Accessibility, Mr. Adama Luc Sorgho; the Minister of Basic Education, Literacy and the Promotion of National Languages, Mr. Jacques Sosth¨ne Dingara; the Minister of Energy and Careers, Mr. Yacouba Zabr© Gouba; the Secretary General of the Government, Mr. Ousmane Ouattara; and the Governor of the Nakamb© region, along with all the constituted bodies. The local population also turned out in strong numbers for the event.
As a reminder, the Great Domestic Tourism Season is held annually during the school holidays, from July to September, with the joint mobilization of public and private stakeholders in the sector to make tourism accessible to all social classes.
