Edo State government has added a fresh push to the state efforts to emerge a notable tourism destination.
Among others, the Godwin Obaseki administration is rallying critical stakeholders to make input into the recently drafted Edo State Heritage Promotion and Protection Policy.
The document aims at setting guidelines and implementation strategies for the conservation and promotion of the state’s tangible and intangible heritage materials to make Edo a tourist destination of choice.
In a press statement issued by the state commissioner for arts, culture and tourism, Uyi Oduwa Malaka, said the state would join the world in the celebration of this year’s World Tourism Day (WTD), which holds on September 27.
He said, ‘‘World Tourism Day is set aside by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to foster awareness on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, and economic values to mankind.
‘‘The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Tourism and Green Investment,” which emphasises the vital need for investment in building a tourism sector that delivers for people and the planet.
Malaka said, ‘‘Tourism is a positive force of nature that helps to connect our heritage, historicity and our present. It connects culture civilisations and melts humanity into a common narrative of origins and experiences.”
The commissioner said activities to mark the occasion at the Ogba Zoological Garden on Wednesday, September 27, 2033 is the unveiling of the state’s Heritage Promotion and Protection Policy.
‘‘it will feature stakeholders’ input into the recently drafted Edo State Heritage Promotion and Protection Policy, guided tours, workshops and it will highlight some of the milestones recorded by the state government in the tourism space.
‘‘This policy places robust emphasis on preservation, conservation and maintenance of our heritage sites and intangible heritage that is consistent with this year’s theme of green investment,” Malaka said.
He urged participants and stakeholders in the sector to suggest ideas that will promote sustainable tourism practices through environmentally-friendly initiatives.
