World Tourism Day embracing the “Tourism and Peace” theme

The United Nations has proclaimed September 27th as ‘World Tourism Day’. The 2024 edition, with the theme ‘Tourism and Peace’, highlights this sector’s crucial role in economic development, fostering peace and understanding among nations and cultures, and supporting reconciliation processes.

In a world where nations are interconnected and interdependent, tourism, an industry created by people for people, is emerging as a compelling and dynamic force that challenges stereotypes.

As a tool for cross-cultural communication, tourism promotes encounters with different cultures, exotic flavours, language learning, and the fostering of tolerance. It provides an enriching educational and spiritual experience.

In New Caledonia, this World Tourism Day was marked by the visit of Adela Issachar Arru, Chairperson, and Chris Cocker, Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), as part of a working mission to Nouméa. During their visit, they met with representatives of the New Caledonian government and New Caledonia Tourism (NCT).

The discussions present a significant opportunity to support the country during its current phase of economic survival. This is a hopeful sign for professionals in the sector who met with the members of the mission, including Mickaël Forrest, the government official responsible for promoting international tourism and the President of NCT.

The SPTO is strongly committed to encouraging and supporting the development of sustainable tourism in the Pacific. Their main mission is to coordinate targeted awareness-raising activities, anchor the principles of sustainable tourism planning, and establish strategic partnerships.

This also reflects the confidence placed in the government and NCT in pursuing their ambition to develop a comprehensive tourism policy for the entire country.

Sustainable tourism holds great potential for New Caledonia and its people, offering opportunities for job creation, fostering inclusion, and strengthening local economies. By enhancing the value of the cultural and natural heritage it seeks to preserve, this sector can also help ease tensions and promote peaceful coexistence between communities.

Lastly, it plays a role in fostering cooperation with our Pacific neighbours.