It is obvious that thinking about tourism without peace is impossible. Tourists will plan their trip after carefully identifying the internal situation of their destinations. Thus, peace is the predominant requirement to practice tourism.
Recently, the 27th World Tourism Day was marked globally. The Day is commemorated annually on 27 September to foster awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value. Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has been marking the World Tourism Day as an international observance on September 27. This date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in the global tourism. On that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The date also marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UN Tourism five years later.
In his message in connection with World Tourism Day, 2024, marked under the theme “Tourism and Peace”, António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General indicated that tourism brings people together.
“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. By valuing and preserving cultural and natural heritage, it can help reduce tensions and nurture peaceful coexistence.”
According to him, tourism can also promote economic interdependence between neighbors, encouraging cooperation and peaceful development.
At the same time, tourism broadens horizons. Every traveler can be an ambassador, engaging respectfully with local populations, recognizing our diversity and shared humanity, and the values that unite us all.
“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.”
The World Tourism Day 2024 as also marked in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with various events at Entoto Park last week. At the program organized by the Ministry of Tourism partnering with the Great Ethiopian Run, several activities include sports events with the theme, “let’s use tourism to build peaceful coexistence and sustainable economic growth!”
On the event, it was indicated that over the last six years, the government of Ethiopia has been working aggressively in developing several tourist destinations across the country with international standards spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Minister Amb. Nasise Chali said that the government has developed new tourism destinations and launched of modern tourist services.
According to her, various websites and applications have been also developed to render services for tourists including Paying systems and descriptions of the tourist destinations before they come here.
Noting a platform “One-stop Service” being developed, the Minister indicated that it will be implemented soon to provide all types of services.
During the past six years, the government has embarked on the development of new tourist destinations in various parts of the country including Addis Ababa through “Dine for Nation’’ by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
She added that Ethiopia’s recently launched Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) can be utilized as an instrument that measures the generation of tourism economic data (such as the direct contribution of tourism to GDP) that is comparable with other economic statistics among others.
Recalling that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been named the new Tourism Champion of IGAD for a three-year term, Amb. Nasise said that this will be instrumental in bringing about economic growth among member states and conserving our heritages and environmental protection.
True, peace is the foundation of everything; and in the same way, Peace and tourism are the two sides of the same coin. If there is no peace, promoting sustainable tourism and getting better income from the sector is unthinkable. It is only when there is peace that tourism can be realized and the country can yield substantial benefits from the sector. That is why governments, organizations, peace promoters, religious leaders as well as individual citizens often talk about the importance peace; and preach and teach in every occasions and available platforms.
In connection with the recently marked festival, Meskel, (Finding of the True Cross), the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church Patriarch His Holiness Abune Mathias underscored the need to ensuring sustainable peace and urged the faithful and other fellow Ethiopians to contribute their share in the efforts of maintaining unity and ensuring long-lasting peace in Ethiopia.
Speaking at the occasion, His Holiness Abune Mathias urged the faithful to promote coexistence and tolerance with a view to maintaining unity and upholding sustainable peace across the country.
“Currently, the world has been witnessing various challenges such as humanitarian crises, conflicts, various threats, tensions, and others.” He called on faithful to ensure peaceful co-existence, ensure unity, and maintain long-lasting peace across the country overcoming existing crises.
“Relentless efforts are needed to practice forgiveness and to spread love in order to overcome the ongoing devastating challenges in the country.”
As to him, the Meskel brings salvation and an occasion where peace, love, and unity are always preached. The teachings of the cross and observe the Meskel holiday are an exemplification of love in harmony and solidarity. Living in peace, love, understanding, unity, and forgiveness are the symbols of the Holy Cross.
Moreover, the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE) also welcomes the decision of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) to designate “Tourism and Peace” as the theme for World Tourism Day 2024. The theme is particularly timely in light of the current global climate of conflict and division.
Recognizing tourism´s significant influence in fostering cross-cultural understanding as a foundation for peace and sustainable development, the Committee reaffirms the vital role of tourism as a catalyst for peace, mutual understanding, and friendship among people worldwide.
Acknowledging the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General “building peace is a conscious, bold and even radical act.” and guided by article 1 of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, the Committee calls for all efforts to support peace negotiations in conflict-affected destinations, adhering to the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.
The World Committee on Tourism Ethics interprets, implements, and evaluates the provisions of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, promotes its ethical principles, and monitors their practical application by the private sector including the right to Tourism.
Tourism should always serve as a reminder of the importance of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and mutually beneficial interactions between people and countries.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2024
