Country Director and Head of Mission, International Society of Diplomats (ISD), Prof. Edet Ekpeyong, has said tourism fosters cultural exchange, partnerships and economic growth that drive national development.

Mr Ekpeyong stated this in Abuja, at an event organised by the society and partners to mark the 2025 World Tourism Day.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” with the sub-theme, “Tourism and Diaspora Diplomacy: Bridging Cultures, Building Economy.”

According to him, the day reflects the United Nations’ vision of global sustainability under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said, “Tourism is life, business, growth, progress and development. It creates endless job opportunities,” he said.

Mr Ekpeyong noted that direct tourism activities generate jobs while creating multiple indirect opportunities in surrounding communities.

Speaking at the event, Regional Manager, Bank of Industry, North-West, Dr Dahiru Bala, said Nigeria is richly endowed with natural and cultural resources.

“When you travel across the country, you see destinations that are not yet on the media. We need innovative ideas to showcase them,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Resolution Consulting and President of the Africa CEO Club, Fatoumatta Gaye, stressed Africa’s centrality to global tourism.

Ms Gaye stated,  “It is not about lack of destinations in Africa but lack of positioning. Africa has everything to offer; what we need is one voice.”

Ms Gaye, from The Gambia, described Africa as a hub for authentic tourisGlobal Tourism Ambassador, Phil Robert, for Nigeria and convener of the event, said tourism has transformative potential beyond leisure.

“Tourism can serve as a tool for peace-building, unity and GDP growth. What discussions or wars cannot resolve, tourism can,” he said.

According to him, countries must market themselves through tourism, as seen in global campaigns such as “Visit Dubai” and “Visit Ethiopia.”

“This event is the beginning of a new chapter. Tourism will now be used as a tool for diplomacy and sustainable development in Africa,” Mr Robert added.

World Tourism Day, first marked in 1980, was declared by the UN in 1979 to highlight the role of tourism in development. 

(NAN)