Written By: EMMA UMEOKANA

Today is World Tourism Day. The celebration evolved as a result of special general assembly held in Mexican City on the September 27, 1970 by the International Union of Official Travel Organization, which adopted the statutes of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

However, the celebration started in 1980, ten years after, to commemorate the anniversary of the UNWTO Statutes. The adoption of the statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism.

In October 1997, the General Assembly at a session in Istanbul, Turkey, decided to designate a host country every year to anchor the annual celebration. The capital of the nation is usually the host venue of the event, which, in turn, is named the world best tourist spot of the year.

The hosting of world tourism celebration is rotated among continents of the world. Djibouti and Addis Ababa have been chosen as host cities for the celebration of 2020 World Tourism Day, while the theme of this year’s event is Tourism: Building Peace! Fostering Knowledge!

UNWTO invites people from all works of life to take part in the annual event in their respective countries. Nigeria, having domesticated the trend, is expected to have states celebrate the event in their domain.

The essence of World Tourism Day is to cultivate and raise awareness on the vital role of tourism within the International Community and to demonstrate pivotal roles which tourism plays in social, cultural, political and economic values of communities and nations.

Tourism generates ten per cent of world jobs. It creates job opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, retail trade and other important business components such as guide services, transport, entertainment, accommodation and many others. All these have the power to drive inclusive development and build sustainable societies we want for the future.

Tourism has experienced continued diversification to become one of the greatest employers of labor and fastest growing industry in the world. It has today registered a growth of about one point three billion tourist arrivals worldwide from a low level of 25 million in the eighties. The sector represents an estimated 10% of the world GDP, accounting for over one trillion dollars from 2 billion in 1950 and 1 in 10 jobs globally.

According to UNWTO, it is expected that tourism will continue to grow at an average of 3% annually until 2030.

In Anambra State, the State government has strived to bring tourism to the frontline. Governor Willie Obiano has constructed laudable structures at Ogba- Ukwu Caves and Water Fall at Owerre-Ezukala and Ogbunike having conveniences, tourism information desk, relaxation points and hand rails for easy access around the caves.

In fact, tourists heaved sigh of relief when the governor commissioned the magnificent edifices of Agulu Lake Golden Tulip Hotels. The State also created a portal to showcase the strides and market Anambra tourism potentials to the outside world.

The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu bunker in Amorka is receiving adequate government attention as the state has erected a gift shop for the comfort of tourists. No wonder! Tourists, like students of Kings College, Lagos; National Youth Service Corps members among other pleasure seekers have never missed a year in their annual visit to Anambra State.

World Tourism Day is a global initiative and we invite you to join the celebrations.

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