MONROVIA, Sept. 25 (LINA) – The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) has disclosed plans to celebrate the 42nd World Tourism Day in Sanniquellie, Nimba County.
World Tourism Day is commemorated each year on September 27th to foster awareness within the international community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values.
The annual World Tourism Day is an event celebrated globally by member countries of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and this year’s theme is: « Rethinking Tourism. »
Addressing the MICAT regular press briefing recently, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Ms. Princess Turkolon, disclosed that the Government of Liberia will observe the Day in Sanniquellie City, Nimba County.
She added that the day-long festival will commence at 9:40 a.m. with a parade at the entrance of Sanniquellie City.
The MICAT official added that there will be a momentary stop at the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), site in the county with a continuation of the program at Sanniquellie City Hall, where the indoor program will be held.
Minister Turkolon narrated that there will also be traditional cultural and western musical performances, a rededication of the OAU/AU monument, and the hosting of flags representing the three founding member countries of the OAU/AU – Liberia, Guinea and Ghana.
« As you may be aware, the conceptual idea for the formation of Organization of African Unity (OAU) was birthed in Sanniquellie City in 1957 by the Presidents of Liberia, Guinea and Ghana, and from this idea in 1957, we now have the African Union (AU) today.
“It is in this direction that all Liberians see the important role Liberia played in the formation of regional and continental organizations, » she explained.
Dignitaries to grace this year’s World Tourism Day are Vice President Chief Jewel Howard-Taylor, Nimba County Legislative Caucus, Superintendent and officials of local government, heads of the Traditional Council of Chiefs of Liberia, Ambassadors of Guinea, Ghana, United States of America, Student groupings, Civil Society Organizations, Liberia National Tourism Association, among others.
Minister Turkolon said it is important to note that the primary purpose of celebrating World Tourism Day is to outline the challenges, opportunities and strategic national direction of each country’s tourism sector, citing that this year’s event serves as the Bicentennial edition of the ceremony, and as such, it is expected to be a memorable one.
The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism is inviting all Liberians, stakeholders within the tourism sector, bilateral and multilateral partners of Liberia to be a part of the program come September 27, 2022.
Bernice A. Doe
