Today is World Tourism Day!
World Tourism Day is a global celebration of the power of travel to bridge cultures, to give back to local communities and to provide visitors with transformative experiences.
For Ashanti African Tours, the day is an opportunity to celebrate the colourful people, diverse landscapes and rich history that makes West Africa genuinely unique in the world.
Ashanti African Tours stands at the forefront of ethical and sustainable tourism in Africa, seamlessly integrating conservation efforts and community development into every aspect of our operations. We are proud of our multi-faceted approach to preserving wildlife, protecting rainforests, fostering education and empowering local communities. These are not just buzz-words – there is a lot of green-washing out there – but everything we say we do, we actually do. And can back it up with countless examples.
Our core value “PURPOSE BEFORE PROFIT” is at the centre of everything we do. Choosing Ashanti African Tours goes beyond typical holiday experiences – it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Our tours provide an authentic immersion into West Africa’s unique culture and natural highlights. Our nature and wildlife protection initiatives and educational infrastructure projects demonstrate our profound commitment to creating a positive impact – for both the environment and the people of Africa. We have proved time and time again that tourism is a force for good.
Project under the spotlight: the Nyame Bepo Forest Reserve
In celebration of World Tourism Day, we want to shine a light on our work in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to protect the Nyame Bepo Forest Reserve and how this also helps to support the surrounding community.
For many years Ashanti African Tours has taken a proactive stance in safeguarding Africa’s diverse wildlife, helping to preserve endangered and vulnerable species. Our efforts extend beyond mere observation; we actively involve local communities in the protection of critical habitats. We currently sponsor 24 community committee members to patrol the Nyame Bepo Forest Reserve, creating a sense of ownership and responsibility among locals. By creating employment and engagement we hope that local people will realise that it’s better for them to preserve this forest, rather than allow trees to be cut down for timber.
We are also working on getting a productive timber concession converted into a protected reserve at Nyame Bepo Forest Reserve – our aim is to protect 3000 hectares of forest.
What else have we been up to?
Ashanti African Tours’ past projects have established a solid foundation for sustainable development and conservation in the communities we serve.
A project we are especially proud of is the construction of KG and Primary schools in Brenu Akyinim, Breku and Bonkro – now educating over 600 children. These schools are fully equipped with key amenities such as washrooms, handwashing stations and staff rooms. Additionally, we sponsor apprenticeships in trades such as tailoring, mechanics and carpentry – empowering local youth with practical skills and economic opportunities.
Visitors are invited to join the Ashanti team on a visit to these schools, offering a first-hand view of the positive impact our efforts have on local communities.
More projects on the way!
We’re also gearing up for an exciting range of future projects. These initiatives are set to leave a lasting, positive impact on both the environment and the communities we support.
Plans are underway to build new Junior High Schools in Bonkro and Breku – our third school construction! – in 2025, while renovating the existing one in Brenu Akyinim. This expansion will enable continuous education opportunities for students, reducing dropout rates and enhancing overall educational outcomes in these communities.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to sharing the authentic West African experience with travellers from around the world while ensuring that our tours have a lasting, positive impact on both people and the environment.
You can find out more about our upcoming projects here!
Booking with a responsible travel company is crucial in ensuring your trip benefits local communities and the environment. While many companies claim to support locals and conservation, Ashanti African Tours stands out as West Africa’s finest example of sustainable travel. We reinvest profits into building schools, protecting wildlife, preserving rainforests and promoting community-driven conservation. Established in 2005 and a five-time winner of Regional Tour Operator of the Year, we’ve built a reputation as ethical tourism pioneers, with over 30 full-time specialist guides in areas such as heritage, culture, wildlife, birdwatching and more.
Our transparent approach lets travellers witness the positive influence of their trip, fostering a deeper connection to the destinations and people they visit. In the face of global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, Ashanti African Tours provides a hopeful model for the future. It shows that when tourism is approached responsibly, it can become a powerful force of positive change. By aligning your travel choices with your values, you can embark on a fulfilling journey that not only expands your knowledge and can even change your perspective on life, but also creates a lasting positive impact on Africa’s landscapes and communities.
If you wish to contribute to causes mentioned above through the Ashanti African Tours Foundation please visit www.aat-foundation.org.
If you haven’t visited West Africa yet, or if you’re considering returning again, you will be received with a big smile and a very warm welcome. So join us soon!
