FTAN President promises to re-engage government on tourism development, promotion
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) says it will continue to re-engage the three tiers of government to give tourism a practical voice in Nigeria.
Its National President, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, gave the assurance in his New Year message to Nigerians on Sunday in Lagos.
Onung said the organised private sector would continue to re-device newer ways to see that tourism collaborations among all the major stakeholders were reinforced toward making the industry more vibrant than ever.
While congratulating stakeholders for witnessing the brand new year 2022, he took a look at the pitfalls experienced in 2021.
“In the months of November and December 2021, we had events back to back, AKWAABA African Travel Market, Tourism and Transport Summit, Awards, NAFEST and more took place.
“As the industry anticipated a robust Christmas season for travels, we also witnessed apprehension caused by Omicron variant of COVID-19 pandemic.
“Europe accused Africa and shut down air travel into their countries and apprehension replaced anticipation.
“Those who travelled had several complications; some events were cancelled, among them were Carnival Calabar, Greater Lagos and more.
“As we enter the New Year, we don’t know what the Federal Government intends to do differently to make tourism grow, we will attempt again to engage them.
“In view of all these interferences in tourism growth, we will continue to engage and re-engage the government, the states can do better, also private institutions of tourism can help,” he said.
Onung said that tourism stakeholders needed unity and courage backed up by collaboration to run a people-oriented and viable tourism industry to sustain and benefit all and sundry.
He said this would be reinforced through a programme FTAN would be launching soon tagged: “Let’s Do it Together Hashtag”, designed to promote tourism in Nigeria.
“After the launch of #let’sdoittogetherhashtag, we will do a formal presentation to the public and private sector to show that we want a new narrative.
“The presentation will start with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, state Governors, Director-Generals of tourism agencies and Commissioners, the national assembly and serious stakeholders.
“The hashtag will become a national emblem and promotional material for every event that is taking place in Nigeria.
“That is going to be our first statement to kickstart the 2022 practical tourism commitment and agenda of the federation,” Onung said. (NAN)
