The Malian town of Goundam recently marked Tourism Month with a conference and visits to historic sites. The ceremony was presided over by Amadou Oumar Keïta, deputy prefect of the cercle, in the presence of local authorities. The conference's theme was "internal tourism, a vector for strengthening patriotism." This event was the second major activity organized as part of Tourism Month celebrations in Goundam.
The conference aimed to create a framework for information, reflection, and exchange on the contribution of internal tourism to the knowledge of the national territory, the valorization of historical and cultural heritage, and the strengthening of national sentiment. According to Amadou Oumar Keïta, internal tourism should not be seen only as a leisure activity, but also as a means of getting to know one's country, discovering its history, and understanding its diversity.
Mahamane Alidji Cissé, first deputy mayor of the Commune urbaine de Goundam, recalled the activities carried out before the conference, including visits to several tourist sites, historical, religious, and cultural sites in Goundam. These sites included the Mausolées du quartier Alphaou, the Saint Moumine d'Alphaou, the Grande Mosquée de Goundam, and the Case sacrée du boa de Sabaibangou.
The conference and debate recorded a significant participation of administrative, political, and security authorities, traditional and religious leaders, representatives of civil society, and NGOs. The diversity of participants led to open and enriching exchanges, allowing for a better understanding of the issues and the combination of institutional and technical approaches with the knowledge and experiences of communities and resource persons.
The visit of the different sites in the city of Goundam concerned historical, religious, and patrimonial tourist sites, carried out by the heads of technical services, collectives, traditional leaders, among others. The participants included responsible officials from various services, collectives, and traditional leaders.
According to Amadou Oumar Keïta, the objective of the meeting was to create a framework for information, reflection, and exchange around the contribution of internal tourism to the knowledge of the national territory, the valorization of historical and cultural heritage, and the strengthening of national sentiment. The event brought together a wide range of participants, including authorities, traditional leaders, and representatives of civil society.
The Tourism Month celebrations in Goundam aim to promote internal tourism and highlight the town's cultural and historical heritage. The events organized, including the conference and site visits, demonstrate the importance of tourism in promoting national unity and economic development. The local authorities hope that this dynamic will continue, making Goundam a well-known and valued cultural and tourist destination.
Key points
- The conference on internal tourism in Goundam highlighted the importance of promoting national tourism to strengthen patriotism and national sentiment.
