As the world marks World Tourism Day, a group, Excursion Africa, has called for the unlocking of the tourism ecosystem and its extensive value chain at the domestic level.
This, they believe can deliver more inclusive and sustainable growth in new areas, including traditionally-marginalised communities in Nigeria.
The group posted the message in commemoration of the 2021 United Nation World Tourism Organization, UNWTO World Tourism Day Celebrations themed “Tourism for inclusive growth”
“Gradually the whole world is unlocking the potential of the tourism ecosystem and its extensive value chain, and investments facilitation in tourism. This can deliver more inclusive and sustainable growth in new areas, including traditionally-marginalised communities like the Nigerian communities to mention but few in Badagry, Epe, Abeokuta, Ibarapa, Enugu, Zazzau, Calabar, etc” the group stated.
Recall that The World Tourism Day is celebrated annually every September 27 to highlight Nigeria and other countries across the world diverse tourism offerings as well as the sector’s significant contribution to the country’s economy.
Inspired by the UNWTO, World Tourism Day celebrations on 27 September, WTD provides a platform for the Tourism sector to celebrate, reflect and commemorate its milestones in relation to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The day creates a better avenue for the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan which contains a set of interventions to protect and rejuvenate supply, reignite demand and strengthen enabling capability to support the sector’s recovery.
The theme encourages Government’s Programme of Action and the Private organizations initiatives that seeks to create decent employment through inclusive economic growth, and a skilled and vibrant workforce to support an inclusive growth path.
Thus, UNWTO invites its Member States and affiliates to celebrate tourism’s unique ability to ensure that nobody is left behind as the world begins to open up again and looks to the future.
Alongside this, expanding access to tourism education and delivering sector-specific training will give everybody the chance to benefit from tourism’s future growth.
This world – wide festivities would take place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic – which has had a crippling impact on business.
However, the sector is advised to implement Health and Safety Protocols in line with global guidelines, to minimize the risk of transmission.
The 2021 UNWTO theme for World Tourism Day Celebrations is: “Tourism for inclusive growth” and the international official celebration will be held in Cote d’Ivoire in Africa.
