PROTOCOL,
It is my pleasure to be here today on this auspicious occasion of the National Summit on Culture and Tourism tagged “Repositioning Culture and Tourism in a Diversified Economy”. I am also pleased to note that the policy thrust of the Summit is to develop a sustainable tourism industry that is driven by our cultural heritage. Considering this administration’s efforts and our resolve at diversifying our economic base, the theme of the Summit is not only apt but timely.
2. One of the most remarkable traits of development since the middle of the 20th Century has been the mobilization of culture and tourism as a preferred form of economic development at local, regional and national levels. Indeed, many governments have integrated tourism firmly into their economic development strategies in recognition of its potential and as response to particular moments.
3. Tourism brings individuals and human communities into contact, and through cultures and civilisation, has an important role to play in the diversification of any economy. Tourism also has the capacity to assist the world inhabitants to live better together and thereby contribute to peaceful co-existence between peoples and cultures.
