By Jimoh Babatunde

Tourism stakeholders and practitioners have been called upon to use tourism to promote peace and unity in the country.

The call was made on Friday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during the celebration of the World Tourism Day, WTD, in Lagos.

Speaking on the theme for the year’s celebration “Tourism and Peace,” she said: “The tourism sector serves as a powerful catalyst for fostering peace. As visitors from around the world explore different lands, meet new people, and experience diverse cultures, they engage in an exchange that promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and friendship.

“It is this spirit of shared humanity that can turn tourism into an engine for peace and reconciliation, as it opens hearts and minds to new ways of thinking, living, and coexisting. In Lagos, we are not only committed to promoting tourism as an economic driver, but also as a tool for fostering peace.”

She said this year’s theme is timely and significant, as it invites practitioners to reflect on how tourism, beyond being a tool for economic development, serves as a bridge for peace, understanding, and unity among people and nations.

The commissioner praised the collaboration with Sterling Bank as a testament to the power of partnerships in driving the growth of the tourism sector.
She said through the joint effort, the state hopes to strengthen the narrative of tourism as a path to peace and reconciliation, demonstrating how tourism can create opportunities for sustainable development while bringing people closer together.
She said, Lagos as a dynamic hub of culture and commerce, understands the power of tourism in building not only an inclusive society but a peaceful one.
She said: “Today, as we mark this global event, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that tourism remains a force for good in our society.

“Looking ahead, we are excited about the future of tourism in Lagos. We are constantly exploring innovative ways to make tourism more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful.

“Through our continued efforts, Lagos will not only remain a key player in the global tourism landscape but will also stand as a city that exemplifies how tourism can promote peace.

“As we engage in today’s discussions, exhibitions, and cultural displays, let us remind ourselves of the vital role we all play in using tourism as a means to bring peace to our communities and our world.

“I would like to once again thank Sterling Bank for their unwavering support and commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. I would also like to thank everyone here today for your contributions to the tourism sector in Lagos.”