27th September is the World Tourism day Tourism as an instrument for peace
|
Ranjan K Baruah
Contd from previous issue
WTD 2024, under the theme "Tourism and Peace", wants to highlight the vital role of this sector in fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures and in supporting reconciliation processes. Countries with a more open and sustainable tourism sector tend to be more peaceful. It spreads philanthropy and leads to regional cooperation. For instance, some African countries are implementing an open visa policy for members of the African Union to encourage the free movement of people and boost tourism and trade. Travel and tourism in Africa are now forecasted to rise. 27th September is observed as WTD around the world.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN in his message said that “tourism can promote economic interdependence between neighbours, encouraging cooperation and peaceful development. At the same time, tourism broadens horizons. Every traveller can be an ambassador, engaging respectfully with local populations, recognizing our diversity and shared humanity, and the values that unite us all” .
Tourism, often highlighted for its role in economic development, also plays a significant role in fostering peace. On a global level, where nations are interconnected and interdependent, Tourism, an industry made by people and for people, emerges as a compelling and dynamic force to defy stereotypes and challenge prejudices. As we celebrate tourism, let us travel responsibly, build bridges, and promote shared respect among cultures and communities. Together, we can connect the power of tourism to progress peace and prosperity for everyone.
As society progresses, the tourism sector, much like many other sectors, needs to transform to serve as a catalyst for prosperity at a universal scale. There is much potential for the sector to bring positive social transformation in our region. Bodoland Territorial Region which has been known for conflicts in the last few decades is changing towards the path of peace and progress. Tourism is playing a vital role as people from different parts of the country are visiting the place . Recent activities like the literary festival, Durand Cup have helped the region to transform as travelers are coming and visiting the region.
Assam Tourism and Bodoland Tourism is observing the day at Manas National Park which will directly connect the day and its theme of this year. Lots of activities are being planned which would promote tourism as well as peace. The dynamic leadership of Pramod Boro , the Chief Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Council and Dharma Narayan Das , the Executive Member of Tourism , BTC is showing positive results as tourist footfall has increased in comparison with the past in the last forty five months.
There is no doubt that tourism brings people together and the tourism day is an opportunity to focus on the same. Sustainable tourism can transform communities by creating jobs, fostering inclusion and strengthening local economies. Let us focus more on sustainable tourism which will benefit many of us and also benefits the planet. We must become responsible tourists if we want a sustainable future for all of us. Let us all ensure that tourism becomes an instrument to bring peace and progress. (With direct inputs from UN publication)
(The writer is a career mentor and skill trainer and currently Adviser of Skill Employment and Entrepreneurship Department of Bodoland Territorial Council, Ko-krajhar and can be reached at 8473943734 or [email protected])
Contd from previous issue
WTD 2024, under the theme "Tourism and Peace", wants to highlight the vital role of this sector in fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures and in supporting reconciliation processes. Countries with a more open and sustainable tourism sector tend to be more peaceful. It spreads philanthropy and leads to regional cooperation. For instance, some African countries are implementing an open visa policy for members of the African Union to encourage the free movement of people and boost tourism and trade. Travel and tourism in Africa are now forecasted to rise. 27th September is observed as WTD around the world.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN in his message said that “tourism can promote economic interdependence between neighbours, encouraging cooperation and peaceful development. At the same time, tourism broadens horizons. Every traveller can be an ambassador, engaging respectfully with local populations, recognizing our diversity and shared humanity, and the values that unite us all” .
Tourism, often highlighted for its role in economic development, also plays a significant role in fostering peace. On a global level, where nations are interconnected and interdependent, Tourism, an industry made by people and for people, emerges as a compelling and dynamic force to defy stereotypes and challenge prejudices. As we celebrate tourism, let us travel responsibly, build bridges, and promote shared respect among cultures and communities. Together, we can connect the power of tourism to progress peace and prosperity for everyone.
As society progresses, the tourism sector, much like many other sectors, needs to transform to serve as a catalyst for prosperity at a universal scale. There is much potential for the sector to bring positive social transformation in our region. Bodoland Territorial Region which has been known for conflicts in the last few decades is changing towards the path of peace and progress. Tourism is playing a vital role as people from different parts of the country are visiting the place . Recent activities like the literary festival, Durand Cup have helped the region to transform as travelers are coming and visiting the region.
Assam Tourism and Bodoland Tourism is observing the day at Manas National Park which will directly connect the day and its theme of this year. Lots of activities are being planned which would promote tourism as well as peace. The dynamic leadership of Pramod Boro , the Chief Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Council and Dharma Narayan Das , the Executive Member of Tourism , BTC is showing positive results as tourist footfall has increased in comparison with the past in the last forty five months.
There is no doubt that tourism brings people together and the tourism day is an opportunity to focus on the same. Sustainable tourism can transform communities by creating jobs, fostering inclusion and strengthening local economies. Let us focus more on sustainable tourism which will benefit many of us and also benefits the planet. We must become responsible tourists if we want a sustainable future for all of us. Let us all ensure that tourism becomes an instrument to bring peace and progress. (With direct inputs from UN publication)
(The writer is a career mentor and skill trainer and currently Adviser of Skill Employment and Entrepreneurship Department of Bodoland Territorial Council, Ko-krajhar and can be reached at 8473943734 or [email protected])