BY ABIODUN AKINLUWA
Stakeholders in the tourism sector and fun seekers in Ondo state want government and private investors to develop the tourism sector for increased revenue generation.
World Tourism Day is an international celebration that highlights the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value.
The day is dedicated to promoting responsible and sustainable tourism, fostering global understanding, and appreciating the cultural heritage and diversity that tourism brings to the world.
Nigeria is blessed with a lot of heritage sites of which Ondo state equally have its own number of tourist sites.
Findings however showed that most of these places including Isarun ash Cafe, Araromi seaside beach, Idanre hills have not be fully developed into enviable tourist sites while many have been abandoned.
Those whose spoke with radio Nigeria in Akure the state capital blamed government for not managing the sites effectively
A resident Mr Abiodun Odebiyi said the potentials in tourism sector if well harnessed would assist in creating jobs and curb youth restiveness in the country
He harped on provision of enabling environment to attract foreign investments.
An expert in culture Mr Ajose Ojo however believed that developing tourism should not be left to government and monarchs Alone.
Also Miss folahanmi Aribisala who runs an hospitality business said that government needed to revive the beach in Ondo state to showcase Ondo state to the world.
Miss Aribisala was optimistic that the idea would boost hospitality business , grow the economy of the local entrepreneurs as well as generate revenue for government
The Ondo state commissioner for culture and tourism Chief Rasheed Badmus disclosed that Ondo state government had already partner some investors with the purpose to revitalize tourism in the state.
Other respondents believed that tapping into the tourism industry effectively would address unemployment and impact positively on the nation gross domestics products
In 1979 the united nations established world tourism day to increase awareness on the importance of tourism and it’s social, culture, political and economic values.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Tourism and peace”.