World Tourism Day should be a day of reflection

On 27th September every year the world come together to celebrate World Tourism Day whose mission is to foster awareness among the international community of the significance of tourism and its social, political, cultural and economic values. Since the official day is set aside in the United Nation’s events calendar, 

this celebration seeks to highlight tourism potential to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs,) and address some of the most pressing challenges that face the world today.

For the past few decades, the perception of tourism as an effectual contributor to social and economic development has been propagated. Many see tourism as a buffer against poverty and among the ways to achieve Millennium Development Goals.

Tourism has become among the world’s biggest industries and among the fastest growing in economic sectors. And for several countries, it is seen as the key tool for regional development, since it stimulates new economic opportunities and activities. Tourism might have a positive economic impact on employment, balance of payment, gross income and production. However, it also may have negative effects, specifically concerning the environment.

Unplanned and unfettered tourism growth may result in a deterioration of the environment that tourism growth may be compromised. Being the main source of tourism product, the environment should therefore be jealously protected so that we can have further growth in both tourism and economic development in the future.

Granted, this is particularly true when it comes to tourism based on the natural environment and historical-cultural heritage.

Sustainable tourism has three interlinked aspects: economic, socio-cultural and environmental.  When we talk about sustainability, it implies permanence. Therefore, sustainable tourism includes maximum use of resources, which include biological diversity; minimization of ecological, cultural and social impacts; and maximization of benefits for conservation and local communities.

Also it implies proper management of structures required to achieve this.

The Virunga massif, particularly the eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has had in the past serious challenges that threaten tourism and conservation. Among them are endless conflicts and poaching. But what’s the solution these myriad of issues?

First we need strong advocacy programs to help people understand the value of tourism and conservation.

Second, there should be international and local support to those noble initiatives that seek to promote tourism and conservation in the Virunga massif.

Third, community involvement is a key ingredient in tourism development and conservation efforts in the region. Therefore, we should find ways to involve the community in local tourism and seek ways through which they can benefit from the industry.

Tourism has capacity to generate both direct and indirect employment. It has a high potential to earn the tourism dollar for the host community. Introduction of new management, infrastructure development and educational experience all have made this industry desirable for everyone

The outcome of increasing tourism has been found to be a critical catalyst in accelerating the rate of socio-economic development.

Therefore, as the world waits to celebrate World Tourism Day in September, We at Virunga Community Programs would like to congratulate all those governments and non-governmental organization that continue to work hard to ensure sustainable tourism becomes a reality. We also support directly the UN’s 2030 for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).