The 27 September 2020, marked International Tourism Day or World Tourism Day and it also coincided with Ancestor Appreciation Day. The University of Pretoria (UP) Museums commemorate both these occasions to continue to mark heritage month.

Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day as international observances on September 27. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism. Tourism Day is your opportunity to broaden your own world a little, find a location you've always wanted to make time to visit, and finally, get around to making time.

Ancestor Appreciation Day is also celebrated on September 27 of every year. So, it is indeed necessary to learn more about your ancestors and your past. Celebrate the day to preserve your family history and let your future generations know more about them.

While international tourism has halted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people remain unable to travel. These days, being able to travel seems like a luxury and this inability to travel has drastically impacted local economies as well as had a serious negative effect on our local tourism industry. But not all is doom and gloom and South Africans can enjoy spring, heritage celebrations and what is on local offer.

Restrictions have lifted somewhat and it is essential to take a closer look at the attractions available right on your community doorstep. These include local museums, gardens, libraries and other heritage sites or places of interest that are slowly opening their doors in the coming months.

For example, the renowned Javett-UP has re-opened its doors for visitors on National Heritage Day on the 24 September 2020. The UP Museums remain curators of the Mapungubwe Collection, so pop along to the Javett to see some of South Africa’s gold treasures in the beautiful National Treasures exhibition and enjoy contemporary art. Javett has also launched the first drive-through sculpture exhibition curated by Gerard de Kamper. See Times Live article, https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/2020-09-23-sas-first-drive-through-sculpture-exhibit-set-to-open-at-javett-art-centre/

The UP Museums look forward to re-opening in 2021 and aim next year to become a star-graded tourism destination, as we hope to register with the Tshwane Tourism Council and the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA). Continue to celebrate Heritage Month for the next few days, and Tourism Day is your opportunity to broaden your own world a little, find a location you've always wanted to make time to visit, and finally, get around to making time. Remember to wear blue as it is the official colour for World Tourism Day. Enjoy what is on local offer until the end of September.