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U.N. Chief António Guterres Calls for Peace as Global Tourism Emerges as Bridge Between Nations

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António Guterres has renewed calls for peace amid rising global tensions, warning that escalating conflicts threaten international cooperation while highlighting the need for dialogue and solidarity across cultures.

Speaking during a period when Muslims observe Ramadan and Christians mark the season of Lent, Guterres expressed concern about growing violence in Lebanon and called for an end to war.

“These sacred weeks are meant for compassion, generosity and solidarity — not war,” Guterres said, urging global leaders to pursue peace.

A Consistent Call for Global Cooperation

Since becoming secretary-general of the United Nations in 2017, Guterres has repeatedly warned that geopolitical rivalries are weakening the systems of international cooperation established after World War II.

Before assuming the role, Guterres led the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for a decade, where he witnessed firsthand the humanitarian consequences of conflict.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he issued a global appeal for a ceasefire, urging countries to halt armed conflicts and focus on the shared threat posed by the virus.

While the call did not stop all conflicts, it reinforced the UN’s role as a moral voice advocating for peace and cooperation.

Tourism’s Emerging Diplomatic Influence

At the same time, leaders in the global tourism sector say the travel industry may play a growing role in promoting international understanding.

Officials with UN Tourism argue that travel fosters connections between cultures and helps break down stereotypes by allowing people to experience other societies firsthand.

Former UN Tourism chief Taleb Rifai often described tourism as a “passport to peace,” emphasizing that travelers build trust between societies through direct interaction.

Other global leaders have also highlighted tourism’s diplomatic value. Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan promoted the concept of global citizenship, while his successor Ban Ki-moon designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

Changing Leadership in Global Tourism

More recently, the UN tourism sector has shifted focus toward economic recovery following the pandemic’s devastating impact on travel.

Under former UN Tourism chief Zurab Pololikashvili, the organization concentrated on rebuilding tourism economies and encouraging investment and innovation.

Leadership has since transitioned to Shaikha Al Nowais, who now faces the challenge of strengthening tourism’s development role while navigating complex international politics.

Private Sector’s Growing Role

Alongside UN institutions, private travel organizations are increasingly involved in global tourism diplomacy.

One of the most influential groups is the World Travel & Tourism Council, led by Gloria Guevara.

Guevara previously served as Mexico’s tourism minister and is widely recognized as a key figure connecting public and private sectors within the global travel industry.

The council represents major airlines, hotels, cruise lines and tourism operators, giving it significant influence within an industry that supports hundreds of millions of jobs worldwide.

Tourism as a Bridge Between Cultures

Analysts say tourism’s global reach positions the industry as a potential force for peace and stability.

Travel networks connect countries and cultures in ways that transcend political divisions, making the industry dependent on international stability and open borders.

As global conflicts and political tensions continue to challenge traditional diplomacy, observers say partnerships between international organizations and the tourism sector could play a role in fostering dialogue and mutual understanding.

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Sights and Sounds

From Kayaks to Cliff Edges: A Day at The Enclave Adventures in Kumasi

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The first thing you notice is the water.

Stretching across the floor of an old quarry at Truba, near Kenyasi on the outskirts of Kumasi, the lake glimmers beneath steep rocky cliffs while the sound of laughter drifts across the breeze. Above the water, a pair of zipliners race side by side, suspended high in the air.

Below them, kayaks cut gentle ripples across the lake’s surface. For a moment, it is easy to forget that you are just minutes from Ghana’s second-largest city.

Welcome to The Enclave Adventures, one of the most exciting additions to Kumasi’s growing tourism scene.

Built around a former quarry site transformed into an outdoor recreation park, the destination offers visitors a rare blend of nature, adventure, and panoramic views of the Ashanti landscape.

The park features kayaking, paintball battles, ziplining, canopy walks, and abseiling from cliffs that rise as high as 160 feet above the lake.

Where Adventure Meets Nature

The journey through The Enclave is as much about the scenery as it is about the adrenaline.

Rocky ridges overlook the spring-fed lake, while patches of greenery soften the rugged terrain. The contrast creates a dramatic backdrop for outdoor activities.

Visitors can paddle across the calm waters in solo or tandem kayaks, taking in views of the surrounding cliffs and open skies. For those seeking a bigger thrill, the zipline carries riders across the lake, offering a bird’s-eye view of the entire site.

The canopy walkway adds another layer of excitement, suspending visitors high above the water and quarry walls. Meanwhile, paintball enthusiasts can gather friends and family for fast-paced battles in an environment designed to test teamwork and strategy.

A New Side of Kumasi

Kumasi is celebrated around the world for its royal heritage, colourful markets, and Ashanti traditions. The Enclave introduces a new dimension to the city’s tourism offering—one centered on outdoor recreation and active exploration.

@yayraa_j I explored The Enclave in Kumasi, the Ashanti Region of Ghana 🇬🇭 It was adventurous and fun. This is a place for every tourist to visit in Ghana. My hair by @Magic Comb #ghana #explorer #fyp #kumasi #theenclave ♬ original sound – yayraa_j

Visitors can easily combine a day at the adventure park with trips to cultural landmarks such as the Manhyia Palace Museum or the bustling Kejetia Market, creating an itinerary that blends culture and adventure.

Why It Belongs on Your Ghana Travel List

What makes The Enclave memorable is not just the activities but the feeling of discovery. One moment, you are standing on a cliff edge overlooking a sparkling lake; the next, you are gliding across the water or soaring above it.

For travellers who think they already know Kumasi, The Enclave offers a fresh perspective. It reveals a city that is not only rich in history and culture but also ready to embrace a new era of adventure tourism.

Long after the kayaking ends and the harnesses come off, the image of that quarry lake framed by cliffs and open sky is likely to stay with you.

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Sights and Sounds

Ghana’s Ultimate Forest Adventure Awaits at We-Ape Mega Zipline Park

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A rush of wind, a burst of laughter, and then the feeling of soaring above a sea of green. At We-Ape Mega Zipline & Adventure Park in Aburi, visitors trade city noise for birdsong and the thrill of gliding through a tropical rainforest canopy.

Just a short drive from Accra, this outdoor adventure destination transforms the rolling hills of the Eastern Region into a playground for nature lovers and adrenaline seekers alike.

Spread across more than three acres of rainforest near the famous Aburi Botanical Gardens, We-Ape combines outdoor recreation with environmental awareness, creating an experience that feels both exhilarating and deeply connected to nature.

Adventure Above the Trees

The park’s biggest attraction is its network of ziplines and aerial obstacle courses. Suspended among towering trees, visitors navigate canopy walks, rope challenges, cable bikes, climbing nets, and ziplines that send them gliding across the forest.

@naa_ashorkor_

We ape adventures 😉

♬ оригинальный звук – Samvel Gulyan

There are courses designed for families and beginners, as well as more demanding routes for those looking to test their endurance and courage.

From elevated platforms, the scenery unfolds in every direction. Sunlight filters through the leaves, butterflies drift across the trails, and the cool mountain air of Aburi provides welcome relief from the heat of the coast.

Every step, climb and zipline ride offers a new perspective on the rainforest below.

Beyond the aerial adventures, the park features open spaces for picnics, team-building activities and outdoor gatherings. Visitors can also relax at the forest café, where the sounds of nature replace the usual soundtrack of urban life. The park’s commitment to conservation and environmental education adds another layer to the experience, making it popular with families, schools and corporate groups.

A Different Side of Ghana

Many travellers visit Ghana for its historic forts, vibrant markets and cultural festivals. We-Ape offers something different: an opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty from above the forest floor. Combined with nearby attractions such as the Aburi Botanical Gardens and the scenic mountain roads of the Akuapem Ridge, it makes for an unforgettable day trip from Accra.

Whether you arrive seeking adventure, fresh air or a new perspective on Ghana’s landscapes, We-Ape delivers a simple but memorable reward: the chance to feel, if only for a moment, like you’re flying through the rainforest.

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Travel

Ethiopia’s Ancient Wonders and Unique Culture Continue to Attract Global Travelers

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Ethiopia’s ancient landmarks, distinctive cuisine and rich cultural heritage are drawing growing attention from international travellers, reinforcing the country’s position as one of Africa’s most compelling tourism destinations.

Known as the birthplace of one of the continent’s oldest civilizations, Ethiopia offers a mix of historical, cultural and natural attractions that continue to attract visitors seeking experiences beyond traditional safari tourism.

Among the country’s most visited sites is the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, where the fossilized remains of “Lucy,” one of the oldest known human ancestors, are preserved.

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, carved directly into volcanic rock centuries ago, remain one of Africa’s most celebrated architectural achievements and a major draw for both pilgrims and tourists.

Ethiopia’s tourism appeal also extends to its landscapes. The Simien Mountains National Park attracts hikers and wildlife enthusiasts with its dramatic scenery and rare species, while the historic city of Gondar, known for its medieval castles and palaces, has earned international recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The ancient city of Aksum, once the centre of the powerful Aksumite Empire, offers visitors towering stone obelisks, royal tombs and archaeological treasures that highlight the country’s long and influential history.

Beyond its landmarks, Ethiopia is widely recognised for its unique cultural identity. Addis Ababa hosts the headquarters of the African Union, reinforcing the country’s longstanding role in continental affairs.

As one of the few African nations to successfully resist long-term European colonisation, Ethiopia occupies a distinctive place in African history and remains a symbol of independence for many across the continent.

Food is another major attraction. Ethiopian cuisine, centred around injera, a spongy flatbread made from teff, is known for its communal dining traditions and richly spiced dishes.

Popular meals such as doro wat, a spicy chicken stew, have gained international recognition, while traditional raw meat dishes, including kitfo and gored gored, continue to intrigue adventurous visitors.

Many travellers also cite the cleanliness of Ethiopian cities and public spaces as an unexpected highlight of their visits. Local authorities maintain strict standards in many urban areas, contributing to an environment that visitors often describe as orderly and welcoming.

With its blend of ancient history, distinctive food culture, dramatic landscapes and strong African identity, Ethiopia continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the continent’s most rewarding destinations for cultural and heritage tourism.

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