Tourism Minister Lola Ade-John has reaffirmed  Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, fostering understanding and driving economic development through tourism.

Ms Ade-John spoke at an event to mark 2024 World Tourism Day with the theme ‘Tourism and Peace’ on Friday in Abuja.

She highlighted the vital role of tourism in advancing national and global peace efforts, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for national prosperity.

According to her, tourism is a powerful tool for fostering peace, breaking down barriers, and promoting understanding between diverse cultures.

The minister said that tourism, often perceived as a mere economic activity, creates jobs and showcases the beauty of our landscapes and cultures.

” The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) projects that Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector will create 2.6 million new jobs over the next decade, reaching over 5.1 million by 2032.

” Travel and tourism will grow at an average rate of 5.4 per cent between 2022-2032, outpacing the overall economy.

” The industry will contribute nearly  N12.3 trillion to GDP by 2032, representing 4.9 per cent of the total economy in 2023. Nigeria welcomed over 1.3 million international visitors, a 15 per cent increase from the previous year,” she said.

She said that the government and the private sector could also play their roles by contributing to peace and stability in Nigeria by supporting peace-building initiatives and intercultural dialogue.

“Let us travel not just to see the world but to change it as proud Nigerians, one peaceful interaction at a time,” she said.

Also speaking, Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General, said World Tourism Day has expanded the planet, which has been ravaged by war and insecurity.

According to him, the global tourism family is broad and diverse, but shared humanity unites the world.

Anthony Ani, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism, said tourism could help to reduce tensions and nurture peace and coexistence.

Mr Ani said tourism could also be an avenue to promote economic interdependence between neighbouring countries by encouraging cooperation and peaceful development.

According to him, tourism incorporates many aspects, including accommodation, transport, attraction and travel companies, among others.

The senator said tourism had offered great opportunities for emerging economic and developing countries by creating jobs.

He said it also strengthens the local economy and contributes to infrastructure development.

” Tourism impact goes beyond the economic benefits, and it is worthwhile to look at tourism as a social force as opposed to an industry, which we can use to establish a culture of peace,” he added.

(NAN)