Ouagadougou: In a national context marked by a decline in foreign tourist numbers, families took part on Saturday, July 27, 2025, in a tourist getaway through Ouagadougou and Ziniar©, to allow them to rediscover the wonders of their own heritage.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the initiative was spearheaded by Sim©on Zongo, promoter of the Grajola International agency. Zongo emphasized the significance of promoting Burkina Faso’s tourism sector, highlighting that the nation’s tourism potential remains largely undiscovered by its own citizens. He stated, “When we realize that we have a lot of wealth in terms of tourism, and that this is unknown, we needed an initiative like this.”

The excursion allowed participants to visit key sites such as the National Museum of Burkina Faso, the Ziniar© animal sanctuary, and the renowned granite sculptures of Laongo, all emblematic locations within the Central Plateau region. With the decrease in international visitors, domestic tourism is increasingly seen as a vital avenue for revitalizing the sector. Zongo remarked, “It goes without saying that we can develop initiatives to promote domestic tourism.”

The initiative was met with enthusiasm from participants. Oumou Compaor© expressed her excitement, noting the opportunity to discover local wonders, including animals she had only previously seen on television. She shared, “In any case, it’s a pleasure to be able to participate in this activity. I’m really delighted.”

Evariste Kabor©, a student, echoed this sentiment. He described the excursion as a valuable experience, allowing him to see lions, hippos, and hyenas for the first time. Praising the organization, Kabor© expressed hope that Grajola International would continue offering such opportunities.

Given the success of this inaugural event, the organizers have announced plans for additional tourist getaways, aiming to continue showcasing the country’s riches to its own people.