“The world of tourism needs a voice; we need more than ever before the leadership to guide us by holding our hands as we move through this dark patch. We need visibility for our industry to remain relevant and we need unity as never before.”

Such is the gist of a message from the President of the African Tourism Board, Alain St Ange, on the occasion of World Tourism Day celebrated yesterday.

Mr St Ange’s message reads:

“September 27 is World Tourism Day and a great opportunity for everyone who depends on tourism for their livelihood to reflect on their industry. As I say ‘Happy Tourism Day’ to each and everyone on behalf of the African Tourism Board, I am also humbled by the situation our vital industry finds itself in.

“Some will celebrate a slogan or catchphrase, but how do these phrases change the life of all those who are facing major challenges in this era of the new-normal for tourism? The world of tourism needs a voice, we need more than ever before the leadership to guide us by holding our hands as we move through this dark patch. We need visibility for our industry to remain relevant and we need unity as never before.

“Investments in tourism by so many are today seen as risks, jobs in tourism come and go with no certainty of its duration and this as key tourism source markets play colour coded segregation of risk countries as those countries that are the most vulnerable fight to get even a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine for their people. The world has moved from being the one world approach to a situation where everyone fights for their own survival forgetting a weak link in the anchor chain will only destroy the ship it is keeping moored.

“Unity and visibility must be tackled as one as we commit for tourism’s revival.

“Happy World Tourism Day!”

Source: Seychelles Nation