Hikers comprising staff of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board, the Monument and Relic Commission, Tour Guides, and other partners were recently at the Tacugama Waterfalls at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

The hike was organized to educate citizens about the importance of preserving the country's natural beauty, promote domestic tourism, and to highlight the pivotal role Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary plays in preserving the forest reserve. Additionally, it sought to foster national cohesion and peace, which are essential for tourism to thrive in any country.

“As we approach World Tourism Day, with the theme 'Tourism and Peace,' the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs felt it was important to organize this experience, encouraging everyone to wear white as a symbol of unity and peace”.The minister urged citizens to visit Tacugama, emphasizing that domestic tourism creates jobs, upholds the country's dignity, and helps preserve the its natural beauty. Founder of Tacugama, Bala Amarasekaran remarked that he has never worked with anyone who makes him feel as comfortable as Minister Nabeela Tunis. He encouraged everyone to take their families and friends to the Sanctuary and to share their experiences on social media, believing that this is how tourism grows. The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Edward Kwame Yankson applauded participants for their resolve and commitment during the exercise. He encouraged all to adopt a tourism centric approach and sustainable environmental practices for tourism to blossom.