Discovering Wealth in Our Backyards: How Tourifique is Empowering Afrocentric Experiences

"Travel far enough, you meet yourself." – David Mitchell

Travel has always been a powerful way to learn, grow, and reconnect. Whether it's tracing ancestral roots or exploring new cultures, travel teaches us to see the world—and ourselves—differently. For the African diaspora, traveling can also be a way to contribute to community building and economic empowerment.

We founded Tourifique to ensure that these travel experiences reflect the beauty, history, and culture of the Afro-diaspora , offering immersive local tourism experiences that often go unnoticed. But Tourifique is not just about travel—it's about fostering generational wealth and creating jobs for youth within our communities, particularly in Africa and the diaspora.

Tourism as a Key Economic Driver

Tourism is a key economic driver, but it’s time we reframe the way we think about travel. Too often, we dream of destinations far away and overlook the rich stories and opportunities in our backyards. In British Columbia alone where I live, tourism generated over $18 billion in revenue in 2022, contributing $7.2 billion to the province’s GDP, more than forestry, agriculture, and oil and gas combined. This robust sector also employed 154,000 people, supporting local communities across urban and rural areas.

These figures reflect the broader potential of local tourism to drive economic growth. In many regions where the Afro-diaspora thrives—whether it's Africa, North America, or Latin America—local tourism is a powerful tool for economic empowerment. By encouraging travel within our communities, we can support small businesses, develop infrastructure, and create sustainable jobs for future generations.

A Vision to Build Generational Wealth

One of the key motivations behind Tourifique is to increase generational wealth within the Afro-diaspora. Did you know that in 2023, the African diaspora sent an estimated $100 billion in remittances to Africa ? This is more than the continent received in direct foreign investment, showing the potential power of our community to uplift economies.

However, it’s time we expand our contributions beyond remittances and engage in economic activities that foster long-term wealth. By supporting local tourism in African countries and other Afrocentric regions, we can help build businesses, create jobs, and increase prosperity in ways that extend far beyond traditional aid.

Tourifique is built to digitize Afrocentric travel experiences and empower local tour operators who can offer travelers authentic experiences, from historical tours to culinary explorations. Our platform helps travelers not only find these hidden gems but also enables these local businesses to reach a global audience.

Why Local Tourism Matters

When I first traveled back to Rwanda, Africa after 24 years, I was struck by the lack of available cultural and immersive experiences online. My search results were flooded with safari tours, but I knew there was more to Rwanda than wildlife. It wasn’t until I connected with a local guide that I was able to experience the true essence of the country—its music, art, and people.

Local tourism has the power to tell these stories, to reveal the hidden beauty in places that are often overlooked. It's not just about seeing the sights but about immersing oneself in a culture, understanding the local way of life, and building connections. This kind of travel creates lasting memories and has a deeper impact on both the traveler and the local community.

Tourifique Tribe: A Call to Action

I invite you to join the Tourifique Tribe, our growing community of curious and conscious travelers. We are on a mission to connect travelers with the rich Afrocentric experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trails, from Vancouver’s Black cultural history to the arts and heritage of Kigali. We aim to reach 1,000 users by the end of December 2024, and your support can make this vision a reality.

As a member of the Tourifique Tribe, you’ll be among the first to gain insights on travel news for less explored destinations and discover unique experiences, events, activities, and tours.

More importantly, you'll be part of a movement that values travel as a tool for empowerment, cultural appreciation, and economic growth. Together, we can change the way the world experiences Afro-diaspora travel.

Let’s build something extraordinary, one journey at a time.

Join us at Tourifique.ca and be part of our mission to reshape travel and uplift our communities.