Minister charges tour operators to explore untapped areas in tourism.

The Minister of Tourism Mrs Lola Ade;- John has advised Nigerians particularly the tour operators to play down on security issues and market the huge tourism potentials in the country which has remained untapped over the years.
Mrs Ade – John who stated at the on going annual general meeting and conference of the Nigeria Association Of Tour Operators in Ilorin Kwara state urged NATOP members to explore aspects of tourism that have remained untapped including beaches with mangroves, fashion and hidden destinations that have not been explored.

The minister said that every country has its own negative narratives yet they do not blow it too loud like Nigeria.
Mrs Ade John who said most Nigerians visit tourist sites outside the country listed some untapped areas of tourism in the country and urged the tour operators to explore those areas.

The Minister said the coastal highway will open and link up most tourism sites in the country.

In a welcome address, the first lady of Kwara state Professor Olufolake Abdurazaq who commended the Nigerian Tour operators for bringing their annual conference to the state said the theme of this year’s conference ‘Tourism as a catalyst for progress peace and partnerships’ speak more to the cardinal role of harnessing Nigeria’s tourism potentials can play in fostering partnerships, addressing salient security concerns while creating pathways into job creation.

The governor’s wife said Kwara with her vantage in the North Central region is endowed with immense and captivating tourist destinations.

Widely referred to as ‘ a wonder in the wilderness’ the Owu falls is the highest and most spectacular natural water fall in West Africa, founded in 1945 and widely referenced to as the mother of all museums in Nigeria the Esie Museum is located in Irepodun local government area of Kwara State, the imole boja rock shelter,

She listed tourists sites in Kwara state including yhe sobi hills, the University of Ilorin Zoo, the dada pottery, the aso oke weaving centers among other very interesting sites.

In an opening remark the National President of NATOP Mrs Ime Udo said the gathering provided a platform for the operators to deliberate on the pivotal role of tourism as a catalyst for progress, peace, and partnership.

She added that as a driver and stimulator of tourism development, NATOP utilizes the AGM to identify, explore, and promote destinations, while engaging policymakers in areas of synergy, collaboration, infrastructure development, and best practices within the tourism industry.

The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Nkereuwem Onung, said he was proud of the progress made in promoting and marketing Nigeria as a destination despite harsh economic realities.

He assured that the stakes would continue to work tirelessly to create an enabling environment for their members to thrive adding that the AGM is an elective one and as such, embers should elect leaders who will accommodate the aspirations of the young tour operators , women in tourism and set new goals.

Mr Onung reminded the tour operators of the power of unity, collaboration, and innovation. Let us work together to promote sustainable tourism practices, enhance the quality of our services, and showcase the beauty and diversity of our great nation.

In a presentation, the Managing Director of Tour Brokers International Mrs Uloma Egbuna said said that the tour operators must be creative in packaging authentic and unique tour different from what tourists had been used to.
High point of the event was presentations and panel sessions with the stakeholders in the industry.