Bayelsa State has been given the right to host the 36th edition of the World Tourism Day (WTD) Celebrations slated for Friday, the 27th of September, 2013.
Disclosing this to newsmen in his office, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Tourism, Hon. Nelson Belief, explained that, the celebration, which is expected to hold in Yenagoa, the State Capital, has as its theme: “Tourism and Water: Protecting our Future.”
The theme, he noted, is among other things, geared towards creating the needed awareness on the importance of sustainable water future by spreading the good news of how clean and readily accessible fresh water can be one of tourism’s most precious resources, as well as highlight the capacity of tourism to provide environmental solution and political support for the conservation and sustainable use of fresh water.
The Commissioner further disclosed that, the celebrations will also be used to formally commission the newly established Bayelsa State Institute of Tourism, Catering and Hotel Management in Yenagoa.
He explained that, the event will equally feature a mini-carnival float parade with cultural dances and exhibitions by the different Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State, as well as a gala night, where the cultural and tourism potentials of the State would be showcased at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Yenagoa.
According to Hon. Belief, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson is expected to address a press conference, where he will give an insight into some important tourist sites and Government plans to fully harness the tourism option as a viable means of economic advancement and job creation in the State.
The Tourism Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the Governor’s personal commitment to the development of the tourism sub-sector, which earned the State many accolades and hosting rights of local and international events, including the maiden edition of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Under Water Committee Conference on the
24th of this month.
He used the opportunity to call on Bayelsans to participate fully in the events of the World Tourism Day 2013, as it will afford the State and its people another opportunity to showcase their cultural endowments and traditional hospitality.
The World Tourism Day (WTD), which was established by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in 1980, is celebrated globally on the 27th of September every year, to provide a platform that creates world-wide awareness on the importance and contribution of tourism to the socioeconomic development of member countries.
The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, Members of the National Assembly, as well as top officials of the Federal Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Nkechi Ejele, is expected to be in attendance.
© Daniel Iworiso-Markson