Tourism’s Role in Achieving Green Growth and Development
In a noteworthy past event, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage joined hands with county governments to unveil and promote their hidden treasures. This event was a significant milestone for the promotion of tourism and heritage in Kenya.
The event was announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, who revealed that Embu County had been chosen as the host for the 2023 World Tourism Day national celebrations. He emphasized the pivotal role counties played in product development and in creating opportunities for the tourism industry to flourish. This choice of location showcased the commitment to decentralizing World Tourism Day celebrations, with different counties taking turns to host the event.
The global theme for the 2023 World Tourism Day was “Tourism and Green Investment.” This theme was especially relevant in the context of the recently concluded Africa Climate Summit. The goal was to promote sustainable practices within the tourism sector and to encourage investment in environmentally responsible initiatives. The celebrations were scheduled to take place in Embu County from the 21st to the 27th of September, aligning with the global event scheduled for the 27th and 28th of September in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the significance of World Tourism Day, emphasizing its role in celebrating successes and addressing challenges in the pursuit of a holistic tourism recovery that prioritized environmental conservation. The event aimed to promote tourism within counties and collaborate with devolved units to showcase sustainable practices and tourism opportunities.
World Tourism Day, established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980, is an annual event celebrated globally on the 27th of September. Its purpose is to raise awareness of tourism’s impact on social, cultural, political, and economic values worldwide.
In addition to the local celebrations in Embu County, this year’s global event was set to take place in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a call to action for the international community, governments, financial institutions, development partners, and private sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy.
John Chirchir, the Acting CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board, expressed excitement about hosting the World Tourism Day celebrations in Embu. He highlighted Embu’s vibrant culture and attractions, including the iconic Mount Kenya, and the event aimed to promote domestic travel and raise awareness of the unique destinations and experiences available within Kenya’s counties. The theme for the year emphasized the power of tourism as a driver for green investment.
The 2023 World Tourism Day celebration followed the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, where leaders and delegates called for increased investments in sustainable tourism as a crucial driver for achieving green growth and development objectives. Kenya had been actively working towards integrating sustainability into tourism operations and practices, engaging local communities, and collaborating with UNESCO on recovery initiatives around World Heritage Sites in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.
This event underscored Kenya’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its efforts to position itself as a leader in responsible and environmentally conscious travel. It also highlighted the country’s dedication to showcasing its rich heritage and tourism potential on the global stage.
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