World Tourism Day Celebtation 2012
Tourism and sustainable energy: Powering sustainable development

N J K Singh *

Loktak Lake : Breath-Taking landscape picture of Manipur :: Pix by Tiken Thokchom

Since 1980 the United Nations World Tourism Organization has been celebrating the World Tourism Day on 27th September. The date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the statutes on the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) were also enacted. The adoption of these statutes is considered to be a milestone in global tourism. The purpose of this day is to give a new fillip in promoting the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values world wide.

In its 12th Session in Istambul, Turkey, in October 1997, the UNWTO General Assembly decided to designate a host country each year to act as the organization's partner in the celebration of World Tourism Day.

At its 15th Session in Beijing, capital of China in October 2003, the assembly decided the following geographic order to be followed for world Tourism Day celebrations: 2006 in Europe; 2007 in south Asia; 2008 in the Americas; 2009 in Africa and 2011 in Middle East, Egypt on the theme "Tourism Linking Cultures.

The 33rd World Tourism day is to be celebrated on 27th Sept 2012 under the theme "Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development" The United Nation World Tourism Organization's Official function will be held at Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain. It includes a Think Tank on the theme with the participation of top experts and policy makers in the field of tourism and energy. This is also an opportunity to ensure international tourism continues to play a vital role in tackling the major energy challenges of our time being addressed by the 2012 United Nation International year of Sustainable Energy for all.

UN agenda on clean energy solutions in tourism are bringing the sector's carbon emission down, protecting local environment and communities, carrying modern energy services to the world's poor cutting cost for businesses and creating jobs and economic opportunities. But more must be done. With one billion International tourists expected to travel in a single year 2012, now is the time to commit to a more sustainable tourism sector and sustainable future for all.

"Sustainable energy is the sustainable provision of energy and meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Technologies that promote sustainable energy, includes renewable energy sources such as Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Wave power, Geothermal energy, and tidal power, and also technologies designed to improve energy in full possibility.

Energy efficiency & renewable energy are said to be the twin pillars of sustainable energy. Dynamic harmony between equitable availability of energy, intensive goods & services to all people and. preservation of the planet Earth for future generation has to be maintained. The perpetual solution will be procurement of sustainable energy sources and more efficient means of converting and utilizing energy in conventional ways with much economy"

Indian chapter

The year 2012 will be a historic celebration of India. The declaration of Lake Hussain Sagar of Hyderbad as Heart of the world will mark World tourism Day on 27th Sept 2012. The same day, Workshop on Save Heart of World will also be inaugurated with 60 days multicolor programmes as part of UNWTO. The event is designed to create awareness to the public, about the World Tourism Day and Global Code of Ethics for Tourism in order to promote a sustainable and responsible tourism. It also aims to create awareness regarding Green economy, Renewable Energy solutions through talks delivered by experienced speakers and environmentalists.

The 60 days celebration will be concluded Sunday, the 25th November 2012, the last Day of the World Heritage Week. In this historic event "Save Heat of world" workshops will also be conducted. The concluding day, the 25th November 2012 will be held at the bank of the Lake Hussain Sagar to give awareness of the recognition of the lake as Heart of World. With 33,000 delegates from different countries with human chain with a pledge to recognize the Lake Hussain Sagar, India as the Heart of World and to save it by implementing Sustainable Energy and Green Economic solution, standing around the Lake Hussain Sagar. The Heart of World Logo will also be inaugurated followed by installation of heart shaped blue giant inflammable balloon at Budh Statue at the Gibratar Rock as a sign of UNWTO's recognition of Hussain Sagar lake as Heart of the World.

Manipur Chapter

Since 26 years, regular celebration in Manipur has been successfully organised with colorful cultural evening, Sports, youth programs, seminar, workshop, Safari, Environment programme, competitions etc.

The 33rd celebration lays special emphasis on sustainable energy for all. Every one knows there is acute shortage of energy in our country, especially in Manipur.

There are many ways to sustain energy but still scientific way of harnessing it is lacking far behind. Hoping that being UN agenda, as special feature of the nations, our State will also be taking up sustainable energy programmes.

As part of the World Tourism Day, DM College of Science is releasing a Syllabus for Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality. It will boost the spirit among young students as part of education career fulfilling the present needs of Tourism experts in the field of Travel Trade and Hospitality. The State has rich heritage sites, Geo-Archaeologically oldest Rock shelters, beautiful flora and fauna, games and sports as part of the world tourism day, opening of a Tourism Study Centre at Imphal is to be considered on top priority.