Andrew Iro Okungbowa 
As the world gears up to mark this year’s World Tourism Day (WTD) 2024, which is held annually on September 27, in commemoration of tourism, here in Nigeria, the celebration will take a new dimension as the Tourism Minister, Mrs Lola Ade-John, sets to lead government officials and private sector operators on city walk to mark the day.
With the theme, Tourism and Peace, WTD which has been celebrated since 1980 under the auspices of the United Nations Tourism, the body in charge of the administration of global tourism, is aimed at drawing global attention to the sector, which is the largest employer of labour, with multiplier effects on the world economy.
As the socio-economic and developmental effects of the sector will be highlighted, Ade-John alongside her ministry officials in partnership with the private sector operators, will embark on a city walk across designated areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, tomorrow, Thursday, September 26, in what has been described as a move to promote the sector.
According to the programme of events released by the planning committee for this year’s WTD celebration, the two-day activities would climax on Friday, September 27, with a seminar at the Exhibition Pavillion, Opposite Radio House, Abuja.
The highlight of the seminar is a keynote address to be presented by the Tourism Minister, Ade-John, alongside other presentations by leading speakers.
Events marking the Day are also ongoing across the different cities of Nigeria and the world, with Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, hosting the global celebration that is headlined by UN Tourism Secretary General, Zurab, Pololikashvilil.
In his special message to the world and tourism fraternity, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, urged everyone to travel more in order to harness the power of tourism to advance peace and prosperity for all.
He noted, ‘‘Together, we can harness the power of tourism to advance peace and prosperity for all. On this World Tourism Day, we reflect on the profound connection between tourism and peace.
‘‘Sustainable tourism can transform communities – creating jobs, fostering inclusion and strengthening local economies. As we celebrate tourism, let us travel responsibly, build bridges, and promote mutual respect among cultures and nations. Together, we can harness the power of tourism to advance peace and prosperity for all.’’
