The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) commemorated World Tourism Day under the theme ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’ at the event held in Maseru.
The Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture, Ms. Ntlhoi Motsamai said this month has been marked by United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as World Tourism Month, identifying the 27 of September as the World Tourism Day.
The Minister said this year’s theme is in line with the Lesotho government policy of identifying tourism as one of the pillars of economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation in line with the national goals.
Ms. Motsamai said this day gives her ministry and the tourism corporation an opportunity to look back on the tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying she invite all sectors of society to contribute to the economic growth through tourism.
She noted that the corporation focussed on challenges that led to a chain reaction, saying that the ban of movement which led to the closure of the tourism industry for a long time has resulted in the significant loss of jobs.
Ms. Motsamai commended the tourism industry for holding despite the many challenges that the tourism corporation faced but undertook all the initiatives to revitalise the industry by conducting tourism development tour guides workshops in Maseru, Butha-Buthe, Leribe and Quthing districts.
She further stressed that the corporation used different platforms such as newspapers and the internet to advertise and educate Basotho about tourist destinations in the country.
Moreover, the Minister said she is happy to see that the private sector is very active in celebrating tourism day, commending the efforts they took to ensure that they follow COVID-19 recommendation when hosting the tourist.
Moreover, the Minister expressed satisfaction over the government vaccination campaign as this gives a sense of safety for international and local tourists who can now visit tourist attractions country-wide.
She remarked that celebrating Tourism Day gives Africans an opportunity to have Africa they desire.
In conclusion, she noted that the LTDC is working hard to ensure that every Mosotho knows about Lesotho and becomes proud of their nationality so that tourists can be attracted to visit the Mountain Kingdom.
The World Tourism Day celebration forms part of the commemoration of World Tourism Month which the ministry launched earlier this month.
By Staff Reporter: Noliwe Velaphe