Maldives celebrated World Tourism Day on Tuesday with special events across the country.
For the last quarter–century, World Tourism Day, held annually on September 27, has aimed to foster awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic impact. This year’s official celebrations are being held in Bangkok, Thailand on the theme of ‘Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility’. Reaching universal accessibility in tourism is a shared responsibility of all parties involved in the tourism value chain, as well as a business opportunity for companies and destinations. Tourism was officially introduced in the country in 1972. From a humble beginning, with Kurumba Maldives to be the first to be opened, the country now boasts over 100 tourist resorts. The count is increasing with four new that came into operation earlier this year, and nine more set to open later. img:http://s2.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14618189320437.jpg|Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives - File Photo: Centara
Local tourism was recently introduced, and visitors now have the chance to book their holidays in over a 100 guesthouses in inhabited islands. Statistics show that the bed capacity of the country’s tourism industry is well over 30,000. In his official message on the occasion of World Tourism Day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said that “everyone has the right to access leisure and tourism services on an equal basis.” “Noting that 1 billion people around the world live with disability, along with young children, seniors and persons with other access requirements, he said that they still face obstacles in accessing fundamentals of travel such as clear and reliable information, efficient transportation and public services, and a physical environment that is easy to navigate,” he said. The secretary general further said that “even with modern technologies, those with visual, hearing, mobility or cognitive impairments are being left behind in many tourism destinations.” img:http://s2.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14615053179273.jpg|PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives, operated by Minor Hotel Group - FILE Photo: Minor Hotel Group
The UN World Tourism Organisation, WTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai also said “all of the world’s citizens have the right to experience the incredible diversity this planet has to offer.” “It is highly important that all countries and destinations, as well as the industry, promote accessibility for all in the physical environment, in transport systems, in public facilities and services and in information and communications channels,” he added.