Promoting tourism will foster peace
Today, September 27, 2024, is World Tourism Day (WTD), and it is being held on the theme: “Tourism and Peace’’.
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This day emphasises the cultural exchange and economic development that comes from travel.
Tourism, which is a derivative of “tour” (travel), is one of the largest industries in the world, supporting millions of jobs and has the capacity to promote global cooperation, accelerate economic progress and protect cultural treasures.
While WTD was instituted in 1980 to raise awareness of the importance of tourism to society, culture, the economy and the environment, this year’s celebration projects the correlation between tourism and peace, and how the former could be used to promote peace globally.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, could not have put it better when he stated in his message marking the day that “Tourism brings people together”.
He was also on point when he stated that by valuing and preserving cultural and natural heritage, tourism could help reduce tensions and nurture peaceful coexistence.
Tourism can also promote economic interdependence between neighbours, encourage cooperation and peaceful development, he said further.
Indeed, together, we can harness the power of tourism to advance peace and prosperity for all.
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The Daily Graphic could also not agree more with the President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), Alisa Osei-Asamoah’s, statement (refer to page SS02) that this year’s theme could not be more relevant, especially as nations, including Ghana, prepared to head to the polls to elect a new president and parliamentarians.
We are of the view too that we need to reflect on the role tourism plays in promoting tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence, especially as we approach the December 7 elections.
Tourism is a unifier, as it brings people from different cultures and backgrounds together, fostering mutual respect and understanding. It is why in this volatile season, we need to harness tourism's potential to bridge the divide and promote peace.
The TOUGHA president stated an indubitable truth when she said: “As tourists flock to Ghana for its cultural festivals, historic landmarks and scenic beauty, they create an environment where diversity is celebrated, not feared,” which can inspire a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect that is critical during election seasons.
Tourism brings people together in non-adversarial circumstances to admire nature and culture as well as fascinating places and things, transcending political, cultural and geographical boundaries to see and fell our humanity, first and foremost.
Another aspect of tourism that engenders peace is the hotel and hospitality business, as it creates jobs, stimulates local economies and supports small businesses, contributing to stability and thereby bringing about peace.
The hungry man, it is said, is an angry man and, therefore, when people are gainfully employed, the tendency for them to foment trouble is nonexistent.
The President of the Ghana Hotels Association, Dr Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr., also indicated that in his statement (refer to page SS15).
Albeit, hotels can also implement policies that address social issues, such as human trafficking, child labour and gender inequity. They can provide shelter, resources and support during conflicts or natural disasters, he said.
Dr Ackah-Nyamike Jnr. posits too that hotels can facilitate cultural exchange between locals and international guests, provide neutral venues for peace talks, negotiations and conflict resolution, thereby fostering understanding and tolerance.
They can also partner local organisations to support peace-building initiatives and community development projects.
Hotels can also offer training programmes that promote peace, resolve conflicts, an awareness of cultural sensitivity and the adoption of eco-friendly practices to promote environmental peace and its sustenance.
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The celebration of World Tourism Day, therefore, gives us a cue to invest heavily in our tourism sector because apart from earning us the much-needed revenue, we stand to gain a lot from the peaceful environment that it creates for the country.
As tourists, both local and foreign, troop to tourist sites in the country, a sort of camaraderie is built among patrons of facilities who may be seeing one another for the first time.
Again, a satisfied soul emanates from the refreshed and relaxed mind of a person on vacation or taking time off things that easily bring about stress or pressure.
A person enjoying will not in any way be incensed to cause chaos or want to be part of any group intent on creating confusion.
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So, if we hitherto looked at tourism through only the revenue lens, then the theme for WTD 2024 has shown us a more beneficial component of the sector, which must inspire us to develop all our tourist sites. Happy World Tourism Day!