Mr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Douye Diri on Tourism says that tourism at the community levels can turn the economic fortunes in rural areas in Bayelsa if properly harnessed.
He appealed to communities in the state to form tourism platforms such
as travel clubs or associations to liaise with appropriate agencies,
institutions and industry associations to profile their tourism
potentials.
According to Kiyaramo, who described community based tourism as an
alternative economic activity that bridges the social and economic gap of rural
communities
He explained that tourism is suitable for communities seeking to
generate additional income in their daily economic activities, utilising the
cultural, natural and local resources in a the area.
Kiyaramo spoke on Saturday in Yenagoa during a meeting with a delegation
from Ekeni community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The group was led by a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Bayelsa
Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Watchman James.
Speaking further Kiyaramo who is also known as Mr Tourism,
explained that community based tourism affords the inhabitants of the area to
become tour guides and provide services to visitors.
He noted that community based tourism can provide communities with an
income stream in production and exchange of goods and services that are
unique in a given locality to drive traffic of tourists to the area.
He noted that the administration of Gov Douye Diri is committed to
ensuring that prosperity spreads to all nooks and crannies of the state through
community-based tourism activities.
"Today community based tourism is in constant evolution, not only
in the advanced nations, but also in Africa, Asia and Latin America, generating
more active tourist participation in the customs, traditions and habits of
social groups in rural communities.
"Some local communities in the Caribbean Islands have been able to
identify opportunities within tourism and are now effectively participating in
the industry.
"Communities are involved in the design and implementation of
tourism, as well as facilitating community participation with the aim of
contributing to economic growth," Kiyaramo said.
He reiterated the need to strengthen the capacities of the relevant
institutions and agencies to support the development of community based tourism
with special attention on conservation on wildlife.
Kiyaramo emphasised the importance of participation of community
representatives, government agencies and non-governmental organizations,
including industry associations in community tourism activities.
Kiyaramo explained further that community based tourism entails a more
participatory approach to tourism and that it has the ability to become a
viable tourism product.
Earlier, the leader of the Ekeni community delegation James
informed Kiyaramo of the forthcoming Ekeni community cultural festival, known
as Korobere Festival which comes up every November and solicited support from
the state government.
Also speaking, the Chairman, organising committee of the Korobere annual
cultural festival, Mr Valentine Amaegberi, enumerated events earmarked for this
year's festival.
They include traditional wrestling, canoeing, beach party, beach
volleyball, masquerade displays, music and cultural dance competitions, among
other activities to spice up the event.
Those on the visiting youth leader Mr Selekebuna George Woniowei,
Braladei B. Wuku, Kingsley Amakiri, Ebidei Aneri, Perenanabofa Abraham,
Indukari Martins Sintei, Leizou Fuel, Shagari Baradei Sakpu and Ebikiri Moses
who are community leaders.
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