The President,Hoteliers Associations (HAN) Ogun State Chapter, Alhaji Olajide Sodunke has identify tourism as the key player at enhancing security and peaceful co-existence of people from various cultural background.
Sodunke who gave the submission at the 2024, 47th edition of World Tourism Day held at Herbert Ogunde Hall, Cultural Center Kuto, Abeokuta said without peaceful co-existence, there would be no room for security, adding that peace must prevail before tourism could flourish.
He said Hoteliers Associations are an advocate of peace and security, saying that the theme of the event is very apt at promoting love, accomodations and peaceful co-existence across the world.
While appealing to the State Government to come to their aid by looking into the double/ multiple taxation of the Hoteliers in Ogun State, Mr. Sodunke said tourism can be major revenue generation to the State if taking seriously.
” Government is our father and we want to appeal to them that tax policy should be friendly as well as hermonization of taxes for the hoteliers across the state for the business to continue to thrive as the place of hospitality is very key to the development of any nations”. The President said
Speaking earlier, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said it would continue to invest in security, so as to make the state more secured and attractive for investment, particularly for promotion and development of its rich tourism sector
The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said tourism has the potential to create job, promote unity and sustainable peace, calling on investors to partner with the state, to further develop the sector.
“It is because of this our administration will continue to invest in security, infrastructure and human capital development. We will make sure the state is safe and become a destination of choice for all”, he assured.
Delivering the speech of the Secretary General, United Nations, António Guterres, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Olusesan Fagbayi, said the theme for the 2024 World Tourism Day, was carefully chosen to reflect on the profound connection between tourism and peace, as tourism brings people of diverse cultures together.
The United Nation’s Secretary General added that appreciating and preserving cultural and natural heritage could help reduce tensions and nurture peaceful coexistence globally.
In his keynote address, Chairman, House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, stated that tourism and peace were intertwined, reiterating that tourism builds peace and engender good relationship among communities, stressing that by embracing responsible tourism, the society would cultivate a more harmonious, empathetic world and build a safe future for all.
In his paper titled, “Tourism and Peace: A Pathway to Global Harmony and Economic Prosperity”, a lecturer in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr. Kukoyi Ibrahim, highlighted the importance of tourism in building a more inclusive and peaceful world by embracing sustainable and responsible tourism practices, fostering cultural exchange, as well as supporting economic development in order to harness the power of tourism to create a better future for all.
He commended the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led government for joining the rest of the world to celebrate the annual event, noting that it was a sign of the government’s commitment to promoting tourism to an enviable height in the state.
Also delivering a paper titled, “Tourism and Economic Development”, Chief Executive Officer, First Heritage Culture and Hospitality Limited, Prince Abiola Ogundeko, pointed out that tourism could generate revenue, create jobs and preserve our cultural heritage
He added that focusing on cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and religious tourism, alongside strategic investments in infrastructure and marketing, it could help to unlock tourism potential.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Yusuff Quudus, stated that this year’s theme underscored the indispensable role tourism plays in ensuring understanding, cooperation and harmony among nations and cultures, affirming that tourism has the unique ability to bridge divides, break barriers and promote peaceful coexistence.
He described the Day as a time to reflect on the profound impact tourism has on societies, economically, socially and culturally.
In his words, “The Ministry of Culture and Tourism remains committed to harnessing the power of tourism to build a more united, peaceful and prosperous society. As we celebrate this World Tourism Day, let us all reaffirm our commitment to using tourism as a tool for peace. Together, we can create a future where travel opens doors to understanding, empathy and global harmony”.
