Today is world tourism Day, a day set aside by the United Nations since 1980 to celebrate tourism for its unique performance. It is with the theme: Tourism for inclusive growth.
World Tourism Day is commemorated each year on 27 September to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.
The Day was designated by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in September 1979, with the commemoration to commence in 1980. This date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism: the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970.
Abia state director, ministry of tourism Arts and culture Mr Nwachukwu Young, noted that world tourism day was set aside to know the way forward towards the development of tourists sights. He mentioned some tourist centres in Abia state to include, long juju of Arochukwu, Azumiri Blue River in Ukwa, Amakama wooden cave, Ojukwu Bunker, National war Museum umuahia among others.
He added that some of the tourists centres he mentioned are still in their natural form, waiting for government or private sectors to develop them.
According to him, in some developed countries, the private sector contribute alot in developing tourism sites, which generate alot of revenue for the state.
Mr Nwachukwu also listed the importance of tourism to include: Generation of Revenues, creation of jobs for teaming youths roaming about the streets as well as employment for women.
He however, decried that covid 19 pandemic and increase in insecurity in Nigeria has made it impossible for people to travel and enjoy their leisure as a result of fear.
Nwachukwu therefore advised people who engage in any tourist adventure to maintain all government covid 19 protocols.
Meanwhile, exploring the world and witnessing a new landscape can be therapeutic for the soul even at the worst of times, whenever you travel,wherever you travel just remember to respect nature
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive social and economic impact. Both developed and developing economies have been hit. And marginalized groups and the most vulnerable have been hit hardest of all. The restart of tourism will help kickstart recovery and growth. It is essential that the benefits this will bring are enjoyed widely and fairly.
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has therefore designated World Tourism Day 2021 as a day to focus on “Tourism for Inclusive Growth.”culture and your host.
