The rapid growth of tourism
industry in recent times which has registered approximately 800 million
international tourist arrivals worldwide has made the tourism industry one of
the most lucrative industries of the world particularly in economic terms. Added
to this, it has been noted that tourism and its associated activities has generated
over 30 percent of global domestic product and offers about 200 million jobs.
One of the most valuable characteristics of tourism industry is that, while it
has grown in numbers, it has also grown in variety of destinations as there has
been a continued geographical spread of tourism to all parts of the world,
which has made it possible for many countries especially developing countries
to develop tourism as a viable engine for socio-economic development. It is
instructive to note that destinations worldwide has received some 332 million
international tourists (overnight visitors) between January and April 2015, 16
million more than the same period last year, corresponding to an increase of
4%, which represents about 5-6 billion domestic tourists and 1.8 billion
international tourists forecast for 2030.
World Tourism Day which is an
annual celebration observed worldwide has been set aside by the United Nations
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to foster awareness among the international
community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural and economic
values. The theme for this year's World Tourism Day which is been hosted by Thailand TOURISM FOR ALL PROMOTING UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY” Accessibility for all should be therefore at the heart and at the center of tourism policies and business strategies. Not as a human rights only which is important on its own, but also as a great market potential and as a great business opportunity. The theme equally highlights the importance of tourism and
globalization as well as job opportunities that tourism creates in many
industries. Every time we travel, for whatever reason, we are
part of a global movement; a movement that has the power to drive inclusive
development, create jobs and build the sustainable societies we want for our
future; a movement that builds mutual understanding and can help us safeguard
our shared natural and cultural heritage. Tourism
creates job opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, retail trade and other
important business components such as guide services, shopping, transport,
entertainment, accommodation, photography and many others.
Since all over the world it is
a well known fact that the tourism sector is an essential contributor to
economic development, it is important for all countries and players within the
industry to take advantage of every opportunity and exploit it to the fullest. Anambra
State is not and cannot be left out in this regard. The State has a lot of
tourism potentials yet untapped, for instance, the Ogbunike cave, Owerre
Ezukala water fall and cave, Agulu lake, Obu Gad in Aguleru, Igboukwu
Archaeological site and Awakana lake in Anaku. Unfortunately, the state has not
been able to realize her full potential in tourism development. These potentials
show that Anambra State has a fair opportunity to grow and increase her share
of African tourist arrivals. In fact, Anambra State’s primary objective is to
attract one million visitors into the state by the middle of 2016, mainly from
the UK, Germany, USA and other parts of the World. These tourist arrivals are
expected to be Anambraians living abroad as well as Anambraians and expatriates
living in Anambra State. This requires that we develop our tourism products and
services, inform and educate the public about tourism and cultivate the desire
for people to see Anambra as a tourist haven in West Africa.
However, to be able to do this
effectively, there is the need to improve accessibility to the state as well as
the tourist sites within the state, and also focus on training of human
resources within the tourism industry while offering better value-for-money
inclination to all tourists. The purpose of World Tourism Day is to promote
awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism.
Consequently, Anambra State tourism sector must not be left out if she is to
benefit from tourism.
Ndi Anambra: Let us rise to the occasion
and position our state in its rightful domain as not only the commercial nave
centre of southeastern Nigeria and beyond, let us accord her the due status as
a paradise to behold and the ancestral root of ndi Igbo.
Tourism the industry of Today!
Tourism a double –delight to our pleasure!!
Tourism a paradise to behold!!!
Tourism is life…in this we believe
BY
JOHNPAUL
EZEANI
Ezeanij@gmail.com
TRAVEL
& TOURISM CONSULTANT
ENUGU
STATE TOURISM BOARD
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