AYV News, September 13, 2024

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has in a press conference updated journalists on the Ministry’s line of activities in commemorating World Tourism day. The theme for this year’s global tourism celebration is “Tourism and Peace”. The Ministry together with its agencies and the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) have lined up series of activities to commemorate UN World Tourism Day.

The celebration of World Tourism Day is observed globally on the 27th September and serves as a powerful reminder of tourism’s vital contributions to the social, cultural, political and economic fabric of nations. It is a day to celebrate the transformative power of tourism, promote responsible and sustainable practices and recognize the rich cultural diversity that tourism helps to showcase.

Highlighting the importance of the commemoration, Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange, Mohamed Jalloh intimated that the celebration of World Tourism Day is used to raise awareness on the significance of tourism and its contribution to socio-economic growth of nations and improvement of livelihood of communities. He stated that the theme, Tourism and Peace resonated with Sierra Leone’s UN Security Presidency of “Maintaining Peace and Security” hence they are using this year’s celebration to highlight the importance of tourism in harnessing peace and non-violent resolution to conflict. He continued that the Ministry together with its sub-vented agencies and partners have line up key activities in commemoration of the World Tourism Day.

Senior Conflict Prevention Manager, Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) James Tamba Turay expressed gratitude to the Ministry for the Partnership in commemorating World Tourism Day. He maintained that the theme, Tourism and Peace resonated with the ICPNC celebration of UN International Day of Peace themed, “Cultivating the Culture of Peace” signifying the importance of the collaboration in commemorating World Tourism Day.

Reading the Press Statement on behalf of Minister Nabeela Tunis, Deputy Secretary, Sahr. Phillip Morsay highlighted the pivotal role tourism plays in promoting peace and resolving conflicts, both within and across borders. “The synergies between tourism and peace cannot be oversated, as the sector’s potential to foster understanding, cultural exchange, and social cohesion is immense”, he stated.

“To mark this year’s World Tourism Day, the Ministry, its agencies and partners have planned a series of events aimed at engaging rural communities, schools, tourism businesses, and youth and women groups. The activities, which include symposia, peace tours and debates are designed to raise public awareness of the symbiotic relationship between tourism and peace. Additionally, these events will promote domestic tourism, highlighting its economic benefits and its role in fostering social and cultural unity,” he stated.