The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), has reiterated the important role that tourism plays in the education of humans, especially the younger generations towards fostering peace and unity.
The Coordinator, Kwara State Chapter, NATOP, Hajia Faridah Sagaya, affirmed this while taking a tour of high schools in Ilorin along side two of team members, Omotosho Olamilekan Hakeem and Akeem Olamilekan Salaudeen, in commemoration of the World Tourism Day (WTO).
Speaking on this year’s theme,” Tourism and Peace,” Sagaya said the theme aligns with the purpose of introducing the younger generation to the rich cultural and historical heritage and landmarks of Ilorin city.
According to her, “the tour with students in high school in Ilorin provides the opportunity for them to explore significant historical sites such as the renowned Sugar Factory Film Studios, the Emir’s Palace Ilorin, and the National Museum, offering them an educational and immersive experience of the history and heritage of the city.”
She further said the NATOP Kwara State Chapter’s initiative, demonstrates the transformative power of tourism in fostering education, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
“By connecting students with the historical essence of Ilorin, this tour not only celebrates the heritage of Nigeria but also promotes peace and justice, reflecting the broader values of tourism in building a better world,” said Sagaya.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of UN tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili, in his message to mark the 2024 WTD, had said that people world over must urgently stand up for peace, adding that what unites humand is our shared humanity.
He noted that while tourism lays the foundations for cooperation, it equally drives inclusive growth and prosperity that serve as safeguards against conflict, and urged that such values that safeguards against conflict is needed now more than ever.
World Tourism Day (WTO),, celebrated every September 27th, is a day set aside to raise awareness on the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.