COMMENTARY ON WORLD TOURISM DAY: ANAMBRA’S TOURISM POTENTIAL CAN DRIVE JOBS, INVESTMENT AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

By Lilian Ezejiegu

The Anambra State Government has continued to recognise tourism as an important avenue for economic development, job creation, cultural preservation and the promotion of the state’s rich heritage, attractions and hospitality.

The focus comes as the world marks World Tourism Day on September 27, an annual observance that highlights the social, cultural and economic importance of tourism and its contribution to sustainable development.

For Anambra, the occasion provides an opportunity to draw greater attention to the state’s tourism potential, including its historical sites, cultural festivals, traditional institutions, natural attractions, arts, cuisine and other distinctive features.

The state is home to notable attractions such as the Ogbunike Caves, Agulu Lake, Nri cultural heritage and Igbo-Ukwu archaeological heritage, alongside numerous community-based cultural and historical sites that can attract visitors and create economic opportunities.

Government investment in roads, security, sanitation, public spaces, digital connectivity and tourism infrastructure remains important in creating an environment where tourist destinations can become more accessible, attractive and beneficial to host communities.

Tourism development can also open opportunities for Ndi Anambra, particularly young people, artisans, entertainers, farmers, transport operators, hospitality workers, restaurant owners and small businesses whose services contribute to the tourism value chain.

Beyond its economic benefits, tourism provides an avenue for Anambra to preserve and project its cultural identity, tell its history and showcase the creativity, craftsmanship, traditions and hospitality of its people to visitors from within Nigeria and beyond.

The growing use of digital technology and artificial intelligence is also creating new possibilities for tourism promotion, allowing destinations to reach wider audiences, improve visitor experiences and provide information about attractions and services more efficiently.

As Anambra continues its development journey, stronger collaboration among government, communities and private-sector stakeholders will be essential to protecting tourist sites, improving facilities and developing a sustainable tourism sector that benefits Ndi Anambra.

World Tourism Day therefore offers an opportunity to look beyond tourism as recreation and recognise it as a potential driver of economic opportunity, cultural preservation and sustainable development, while positioning Anambra’s heritage and attractions for greater visibility at home and abroad.

Lilian is of the ministry of information and value reformation, Anambra State.

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