ISD commemorates UN World Tourism Day in Abuja
By Ujunwa Eunice Nwankwo
The International Society of Diplomats (ISD) marked the United Nations World Tourism Day with a two-day event in Abuja, celebrating the role of tourism in fostering diplomacy, sustainable development, and economic transformation.
The event was themed “Foundations of Tourism and Diaspora Diplomacy” and “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”.
The high-profile gathering brought together dignitaries and stakeholders from across the public and private sectors, including:
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria
Chinese Tourism Promoters Initiative
H.E. Christiana Amal Abbass, Deputy Secretary General of African Affairs, ISD
Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy
H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor, Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria
H.E. Bambang Suharto, Ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria
Hon. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs
Hon. Chief Dr. Billy Adesuwa Osawaru, House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa
Mrs. Anne Nenadi, Director of Tourism, FCTA
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism
Prof. Dinesh S. Sabnis, ISD Special Envoy to the UN in Geneva and Vienna
In his keynote address, Mr. Edet B. Ekpenyong, Nigerian Country Director of ISD, emphasized that tourism is a powerful vehicle for uniting people and nations, promoting peace, and stimulating economic growth.
“Tourism strengthens family bonds, promotes global understanding, and builds national and international partnerships,” he said.
He also highlighted its role in job creation and cross-cultural collaboration.
Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Badaki, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, reiterated that tourism serves as a bridge between cultures and a catalyst for diplomacy.
“Tourism helps people learn how to cooperate, appreciate cultural diversity, and showcase their creative abilities,” he noted.
Ambassador Phil Roberts, Nigeria’s Global Tourism Ambassador and Director of Tourism in ISD, advocated for positive narratives about Nigeria.
“We must stop projecting negative images of our country. You never know who is watching. Promoting our culture should be a collective responsibility,” he urged.
Reverend Chidi Obi, speaking on behalf of the Senate Committee Chairman on Culture and Tourism, called for a well-structured framework to unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential.
He pointed to the proposed ₦5 billion investment in tourism by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, advocating for its effective utilization through stakeholder integration, political reforms, and digital innovation.
“Tourism must move from theory to enterprise,” he said, stressing collaboration between government and the private sector.
Mr. Ekpenyong also explained that ISD chose to mark the event a day ahead of the official World Tourism Day on September 27th to align with global celebrations.
“Since its inception in 1980, this day has served to connect nations through tourism, enriching culture and driving sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The event closed with a collective call to action encouraging Nigerians to embrace tourism, promote the nation’s cultural heritage, and work together to reshape its global image.
