The World Tourism Day is marked every 27th September. The World Tourism Organization selected this date in 1979. The day is dedicated to creating awareness on importance of tourism amongst the international communities. Tourism globally have biophysical, social, cultural and economic values. In Kenya, it’s estimated that one lion living to seven years of age attracts $515,000 by tourists viewing it.
Eco-tourism involves developing a tourist industry that creates jobs for people and at the same time promotes sustainable use of natural resources. Tourism can often lead to environmental degradation. It is important to control tourist activities (the numbers and methods of access) in order to maintain the neutral status of an area and to avoid disturbing wildlife and ecosystems.
Suggested activities
- Plan a visit to the tourism attraction centers such as national parks, museums, cultural centers etc.
- Invite tourists to school and in the community and interact with them.
- Make a list of things that you are attracted to in your local environment and which you can invite tourists to come and see/enjoy.
- Organize an indigenous food festival at school/community.
- Hold traditional dances at school/community level.
- Discuss in groups how you spend your recreation time.
- Discuss what can be done to make your school and the surrounding areas to become a major tourist attraction area. Implement the feasible suggestions.
- Write essay or summary notes on how you celebrated the World Tourism Day. Publicise your success on this blog.
For further Information, contact:
Ministry of East African Affairs,Commerce and Tourism (http://www.tourism.go.ke)
Kenya Tourism Federation (http://www.ktf.co.ke)
Kenya Wildlife service (http://www.kws.org)
National Museums of Kenya (http://www.museums.or.ke)
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