Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has tasked the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) to adopt new strategies that would make the nation’s tourism potentials attractive and take its rightful place in the economy of the country.
Emmanuel who made the call at the fifth Annual General Meeting of the Association in Uyo last weekend expressed dismay over the dwindling fortunes of the sector despite the vast tourism potentials of the country.
The Governor however expressed delight with the new level of committment and zeal demonstrated in recent times by the tour operators and other stakeholders in promoting tourism in the country and said the new lease of life in the sector if sustained could generate huge revenue for both practioners and the government.
He said the hospitality of Akwa Ibom people remained infectous and is blessed with more than scores of cusines while natural tourist sites including the residence of Mary Slessor, the blue River, the longest coastline in Nigeria while the annual Christmas Carole and Christmas Village has become a must event in the calendars of lovers of tourism .
He pledged the assistance and partnership of the state government to NATOP but urged them to adopt measures that would project their services and attract goodwill to the country, expressing hope that the conference would develope a new template for running tourism in Nigeria.
In a keynote speech, an oil magnet, Mr Akanimo Udofia said with improved committment and institutional attention, tourism could could generate more than crude oil and gas for the country adding that many countries not blessed with natural resources have thrived and prospered through tourism.
Also in a speech, a former Minister of Tourism in Ghana, Mrs Catherine Afeku and using the Ghana experience urged Akwa Ibom government to utilize the opportunity of the Bridge of No Return to well come back decendants of Nigeria lost to the Athlantic Slave Trade.
Afeku further urged government and practitioners to focus on Domestic Tourism, lobby for tourism incentives, adopt a policy of Right of Abode for relatives in the diaspora, repackage tourism sites and patronize Made in Nigeria products and services.
State Commissioner for Tourism, Mr Orman Esin applauded NATOP for choosing Akwa Ibom and expressed hope that the conference would usher a new lease of partnership between the state and tour operators.
Esin pointed out that the state has pioneered several aspects of tourism in Nigeria and home to the earliest missionaries adding that with the longest coastline in Nigeria, a fertile land rich in tourism, an international airport and one of the best golf resorts in West Africa, the state is well positioned to take tourism to the next level in Nigeria.
“Akwa Ibom, the real deal, we have the options for all types of tourism in Nigeria. We have the biggest hotel property in West Africa, with consistent growth over the years. We knew that bringing Naija7Wonders group to our state in December for the Christmas Village will bring us the attention we needed.
National President of NATOP Hajia Bilkisu Abdul who paid flowing tributes to NATOP former president Mrs Fatima Garbati expressed sadness over the loss of revenue to the tourism sector occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic however expressed joy that tour business has gradually returned with Akwa Ibom being one of the star destinations for tour operators.
“Domestic Tourism started to come back to life towards the end of last year. I am glad to note that Akwa Ibom became one of the star destinations for tour operators. They came for the Christmas village events in December and observed that it was a great success, they found your state rich in attractions.
“Our coming to Akwa Ibom State is not accidental. NATOP uses its AGM to promote Domestic Destinations and all our past Destinations of Choice have become viable locations for Tourism.” Abdul said.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed represented by the Permanent Secretary Mrs Ifeoma Anyanwutaku in a goodwill message urged NATOP to work towards rediscovering the damaged tourism reputation of the country and urged them to increase international partnerships while adopting international best practices for networking.
Mohammed called for increased participation from the private sector while urging stakeholders to work towards repositioning the image of the country by repackaging the country’s investment and tourism potentials.
Other goodwill messages were received from the Lagos State Government, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism(NIHOTOUR), National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC).
