Paga (U/E), Sept. 26, GNA- The Upper East Regional Office of the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) on Thursday organised a day's tour for students to selected tourism sites in the Kassena Nankana District of the Upper East Region.

Thirty students from the Kandigah Paul Amenga-Etogo and Sirigu Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), visited the Paga border post and crocodile pond as well as the Tono irrigation project near Navrongo. The programme, which formed part of activities marking this year's world tourism day celebrations in the region, was also to encourage the youth to show interest in tourism.

Earlier, the regional manager of GTB, Ms Mary Agangmikre said one major concern of the board is to promote domestic ecotourism among all sectors of the society including school children.

Ms Agangmikre told the students that a well-informed understanding and appreciation of ecotourism is necessary for peaceful co-existence through respect for the values as well as the cultures of other people. She, therefore, urged them to showcase and be proud of their unique cultural heritage and help in preserving those that are beneficial to society.

Miss Emelia Anogya, a form three students of Sirigu JSS described the tour as enlightening, and called on the district assembly to assist in the development of more ecotourism sites in the area. World tourism day falls on September 27 each year and is being celebrated this year under the theme, "tourism a driving force for poverty alleviation, job creation and social harmony. The national day celebration will be held in the Kintampo District of Brong Ahafo. 26 Sept. 03