… Describes Gen. Gowon as Peace Tourism Icon
The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has commended Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang for promoting peace tourism through the Plateau Unity Christmas Carol, describing the maiden event as a significant step towards fostering unity and peace in Plateau State.
The oldest multi-sectorial tourism trade association also described General Yakubu Gowon, a former Military Head of State, who established the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme during his tenure as a “Peace Tourism Icon,” reiterating that the presence of Gen. Gowon and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at the maiden edition added colour and significance to the Christmas Carol and Praise Festival.
Speaking with newsmen in Jos, the state capital on Monday, a Board Member of ATPN, Mr. John Best, a Board of Trustees member who spoke on behalf of the newly elected President of ATPN, Prince femi fadina, and his executive, noted that the Unity Christmas Carol was intended to foster unity and peace among the people of Plateau State, informing that the event featured various cultural performances, including music and dance.
Mr. Best said: “By hosting this event, Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated his commitment to promoting peace and unity in the state. ATPN has recognized the potential of this event in promoting peace tourism in the state, which would boost domestic tourism with a view to having a positive impact on the local economy.
“Overall, the inaugural Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival are commendable initiatives that promote peace, unity, and tourism in Plateau State. The presence of former military heads of state like Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who later became a democratically elected president, added real colours to the maiden edition of the Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival, signalling a peaceful Christmas season in the state.
“The Plateau Unity Christmas Carol is part of Governor Mutfwang’s efforts to promote tourism and peace in the state. This initiative aims to make Plateau State a hub for peace tourism, attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
“By promoting peace tourism, Governor Mutfwang’s administration hopes to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and promote cultural exchange. This initiative is also a testament to the governor’s commitment to rebuilding and transforming Plateau State into a beacon of prosperity and stability,” Mr. Best said.
It would be recalled that such Christmas carols and festivals have the potential to contribute to a destination’s branding, creating a unique identity for the host destination and distinguishing it from other tourist destinations while fostering community engagement and providing opportunity for tourists to interact with the locals to have first hand experience of the hospitality of the destination.
