NANTA Collaborates with Ogun State Gov. To Celebrate 2024 World Tourism Day: ''Tourism & Peace''

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) established World Tourism Day in the eighties to recognize and promote tourism's far-reaching economic, social, and cultural benefits worldwide.

World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27, with the theme for 2024 being "Tourism and Peace". This day highlights tourism's significant role in fostering peace, understanding, and reconciliation among nations and cultures.

Ogun State Chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies was included as it collaborated with the state government to mark this year's global event. The event took place at the cultural centre, Kuto Abeokuta, the state capital.

The Ogun state deputy governor, the state commissioner for culture and tourism and other government officials graced the event.

It was restated at the event that Tourism goes beyond being an economic driver. It bridges the gap between people and the nations at large.

Peace is not merely the absence of war or conflict. It is a state of harmony that emanates from mutual respect and understanding. Tourism, when approached responsibly can be a useful tool in several ways.

Tourism is powerful and serves as a catalyst that brings people together, promotes cultural exchange, and supports economic development. It employs one in every ten people globally and provides livelihoods to hundreds of millions more. UNWTO emphasizes tourism's potential to transform communities, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.

The Impact of Tourism

Economic Growth: Tourism supports 1 in 10 jobs worldwide and generates significant revenue for local economies.
Cultural Exchange: Travel enables people to experience diverse cultures, promoting cross-cultural understanding and empathy.
Community Development: Sustainable tourism practices can preserve heritage sites, support local businesses, and improve living standards.

Why Tourism Matters

Promote Peace and Understanding: By facilitating cultural exchange and people-to-people connections.
Support Economic Development: Through job creation and local economic growth.
Foster Reconciliation: By promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among nations.

Overall, World Tourism Day serves as a reminder of tourism's significant impact on promoting peace, understanding, and sustainable development worldwide.