This year’s World Tourism Day celebrations will be climaxed in the Western Regional town of Nkroful, the birthplace of the first President of the Republic of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

As a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Ghana has over the years joined the UNWTO member countries to celebrate the day every 27th September. The celebration aims at creating further awareness among the international community on the social, cultural, political and economic importance of tourism. It also seeks to address the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in meeting these goals.

This year’s theme “Tourism and Water: Protecting our common future”, which is in support of the United Nations International Year of Water Co-operation seeks to highlight the symbiotic relationship that exists between tourism and water, and the extent to which the two impact on each other.

According to the UNWTO Secretary General, the 2013 celebration “is truly a unique opportunity. We can shine our spotlight on water as the most valuable human asset and resource, and on the actions needed to face up to the water challenge. Tourism is today one of the largest economic sectors in the world. The tourism sector must take a leadership role and ensure companies and destinations invest in adequate water management throughout the value chain. Tourism can bring benefits at the national and local community levels and support water preservation.”

The choice of the Western Region is in line with the Ministry’s rotational policy of ensuring that each region is given the opportunity to host the National Day Celebrations in order to showcase its tourism potentials for tourists’ patronage and to attract investments. Apart from the National Day celebrations slated for the Western Region, there will also be Regional Celebrations throughout the country.

Series of activities lined up to commemorate the day include a football gala on Saturday, September 21st at the Accra Technical Training Centre in Kokomlemle at 8:30am. A stakeholders’ workshop on the theme will take place in Takoradi on 26th September. The highpoint of the celebration will be on Friday, September 27th, beginning with a familiarization tour to the Gas Processing Plant at Atuabo; to be followed by a Grand Durbar of Chiefs, Invited Dignitaries, and the people of the Western Region. There will also be a post event Ambassadorial tour for Diplomats, Ministers of State and Parliamentarians on Saturday, September 28; ending with beach and coastal jams at the La Pleasure Beach (Accra), Half Assini, Atuabo and Axim on September 29.

The Ministry takes this opportunity to express profound appreciation to its collaborating partners – the Ministries of Energy and Petroleum; Water Resources, Works and Housing; and the Western Regional Cordinating Council for their support and hosting of the event.
Water underpins our lives. Let’s protect our common future.

Sgd.
BOAKYE-BOATENG PRINCE
HEAD, PUBLIC RELATIONS
MINISTRY OF TOURISM, CULTURE AND CREATIVE ARTS
020-8071161
princebb1@gmail.com
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