The countdown to World Tourism Day 2022 is now underway, the day which was set aside by the United Nations Tourism Organisation in 1980. The cardinal objective of the celebration is to sensitise the entire world to long-term planning and development, as well as harnessing the multiple benefits from tourism.
This year theme “Rethinking Tourism”. Is aims to inspire the debate around rethinking tourism for development, including through education and jobs, and tourism’s impact on the planet and opportunities to grow more sustainably
Tourism has become one of the fastest growing sectors of the world economy. A very big kudos to Oyo Stat government for the privilege extended to the community as the host of 2022 World Tourism Day. The people of Igbeti is most delighted to be the host. It is such an exciting moment for us. It is also our proud moment to show the global community the cultural and tourism potential of the town.
The name “IGBETI” anywhere in Yoruba Land and in almost all cities and towns is famous and popular not only because of her location or attractiveness and beautiful tropical whether (Harmattan) but due to the embedded physical features. The town has a rich cultural heritage and the potential.
Igbeti is an embodiment of outstanding traditional cultures which over time has been refined without distortions to make them more alluring. From Iyamopo hill to Agbele rock, Okin to Bataerugba, captivating marvels that would make a cynical visitor startle thrives.
Igbeti is endowed with revere tourism potential with evidences of untapped natural resources that rate the town as an economic goldmine ready to be tapped. The town is surrounded with sixteen hills, making it a beautiful call for adventure. There is nothing too special abroad which is not here.
The Iyamopo hill in Igbeti which occupies over six kilometers of land mass and is as high as one hundred and fifty feet was rated as the biggest hill in Southwest state of Nigeria. Legendary tales recall that it was once used as shelter against attacks.
However, there is nothing as good in marketing than building a global brand. Saying I have a potential and I don’t let the world know about it, then I have a problem. The potential of tourism is enormous, and we all have a shared responsibility to make sure it is fully realized. We have to do anything necessary to promote culture and tourism in Igbeti.
There is no gainsaying the fact that, the tourism event would bring people together, to promote domestic tourism and showcase the heritage we have in Igbeti to the world. The event would positively affect the business activities and hospitality sector in Igbeti, all the hotels in Igbeti and neighbouring communities would fully be occupy, out transporters and motorcycle riders will also have increase in patronage. Restaurants and bar owners would as well enjoy great patronage too, with record of unprecedented sales.
For those who have yet to visit Igbeti, now is the time because Igbeti is now open and waiting for all of you, as beautiful as it has ever been.
#IGBETI TO THE WORLD!!!!!!
Adesina Julius (Prestige) write from Igbeti, the host community of World Tourism Day .
