The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to prioritize sufficient funding for the tourism sector. According to NATOP, the sector’s growth is being hindered by a lack of funding and the inability to attract investors. The association emphasized that tourism is a business that requires government support to thrive and called on state governments to collaborate with tour operators to develop tourist sites and destinations in their local communities.
This appeal was made at the 9th Annual General Meeting and Conference of NATOP, held in Akure, Ondo State, with the theme “Unlocking Nigeria’s Ecotourism, Untapped Treasure: A Catalyst For Empowering Tourism Entrepreneurs.” The conference brought together stakeholders in the tourism industry, including core tour operators, who are working together to explore the country’s huge tourism potential.
Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential
In her address of welcome, NATOP President Alhaja Bolaji Mustapha expressed the association’s happiness to be hosted in a state with rich cultural heritage. She commended the Ondo State government for their hospitality and lamented that most hidden tourist sites in states have not been well-developed and explored. According to her, addressing these challenges and implementing potential solutions can unlock the tourism sector’s huge potential and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Alhaja Mustapha urged Nigerians to look inward and explore local tourism sites to grow the country’s economy rather than embarking on international trips. She emphasized that the profession should be more about passion and fulfillment rather than the quest to make money. “We need to change our mindset and prioritize local tourism,” she said. “By doing so, we can create jobs, generate revenue, and showcase our rich cultural heritage to the world.”
Need for Adequate Funding
The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and Chairman Board of Trustees NATOP, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, commended the leaders of the tourism industry for their dedication to excellence and promotion of the industry. He appealed to the Federal Government to make a deliberate effort to fund tourism, pointing out that there is an urgent need to explore the great potential of the industry. With adequate funding, the industry can create employment opportunities and attract foreign exchange.
Mr. Onung emphasized the need to make tourism a full driver of the country’s economic growth and further congratulated the NATOP President Alhaja Bolaji Mustapha for her great leadership skill. “Tourism is a key sector that can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth,” he said. “We need to prioritize funding for tourism development and promotion to unlock its potential.”
Developing Unique Tourism Packages
A Culture and Tourism icon and owner of La Campaign Tropicana Beach Resort, Otumba Wanle Akinboboye, urged tourism entrepreneurs to turn attractions into destinations with unique and natural packages that will spur tourists to spend money and leave with memorable experiences. He emphasized the need for training of tour guides and attendants at tourism sites who are always interfacing with tourists to behave well and give their visitors a very warm reception.
According to Otumba Akinboboye, the only thing that can make a destination sellable is unique content and ideas. He charged tour operators to create unique services that will attract visitors. “We need to think outside the box and develop innovative tourism packages that will showcase our rich cultural heritage and natural beauty,” he said.
Nationwide Identification of Tourism Sites
In his keynote address, the Managing Director of Ebonylife Place, Mr. Michael D. Williams, called for proper nationwide identification of tourism sites through road signs. He noted that some of these destinations are hidden and not known by many Nigerians. According to him, this will help to promote local tourism and attract visitors to these sites.
Regulation and Standardization
The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Dr. Absoye Fagade Nihoutour, emphasized the need for proper regulation and standardization of the industry. He noted that this will help to ensure that tourism operators provide quality services and maintain high standards.
Ondo State Government’s Commitment
In a message, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed his government’s willingness to work with NATOP in ensuring that most of the tourist destinations in the state are given a facelift and explored. He noted that the state government is committed to developing the tourism sector and promoting local tourism.
The conference was a resounding success, with the high point being the induction of new members and a dinner party. The event brought together stakeholders in the tourism industry to explore the country’s huge tourism potential and unlock its economic growth.
Reporting by Chioma Ezike.