The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.
The event seeks to address global challenges outlined in the UN Millennium Development Goals and to highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in attaining these goals.
Zimbabwe, a country full of rich and diverse culture, is officially celebrating this years WTD in Masvingo, home to the Great Zimbabwe Monuments. This World Heritage Site is one of the most important archaeological sites in Africa, giving testimony to the lost civilization of the Shona.
A great city existed here from the 11th century on, with over 10.000 inhabitants. Great Zimbabwe (“stone houses”) was a main regional trading center, its wealth associated with (Arab) gold trading. There were also trade links with East Africa (Kilwa), and fragments of Persian and Chinese pottery has been found at the site.
Arab and European travellers in the 16th century sent reports home about this marvellous place and its impressive stone walls. The site was abandoned in the 15th century (for Khami) because of a lack of food and firewood.
The objectives for 2011 WTD are:
To ensure tourism can be integrated with natural, cultural and human environment.
To consider the effects of tourism on the cultural heritage, traditional elements, activities and dynamics of each local community.
To ensure quality criteria both for the preservation of the tourist destination and for the capacity to satisfy tourists
To emphasize on that all options for development must serve effectively to improve the quality of life of all people and to influence the socio-cultural of each destination.
Post published in: Environment