LAGOS – Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has commended its members for their contributions towards sustaining the tourism sector despite the myriads of challenges confronting the economy.
The WTD is celebrated globally as recognised at the United Nations. The theme for this year’s celebration is: ‘Tourism and Peace.’
Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, President of FTAN, made the statement on Wednesday during a virtual media briefing ahead of the annual 2024 World Tourism Day (WTD) billed for this Friday.
Onung explained that the 2024 theme underscored the crucial role that the tourism sector plays in promoting cultural understanding and fostering reconciliation across the globe.
He declared that the survival of the country’s travel and tourism industry was a testament to the resilience of the private sector players who he said had surmounted difficult challenges, including inclement operating, in continuing to drive the industry till date and contribute its quota to the sustenance and development of the Nigerian economy.
He added: “The powerful impact travel can have in bridging cultural divides, facilitating dialogue, and nurturing peaceful coexistence.
“In a world often challenged by conflict and misunderstanding, tourism serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging respect for diverse cultures and promoting unity within communities.
“World Tourism Day is not merely a celebration of travel; it is a celebration of our collective potential to build a more peaceful world. Our members are vital to this mission, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding that transcend borders.”
The FTAN President further encouraged its diverse members to engage in activities that aligned with this year’s theme, as well as reflect on the significance of this day and to continue championing the values of peace, understanding, and reconciliation in their practices.
Onung expressed that from organising events to fostering dialogue between tourists and local communities, there were countless opportunities to promote peace through tourism.
He appealed to all sector players to reflect on the significance of this day and to continue to champion the values of peace, understanding and reconciliation in their practices.
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He insisted that together and in unity, they could harness the transformative power of tourism to create a more harmonious world.
Onung, however, expressed concern over the current lack of synergy between public and private sector operators under the current administration.
He noted that aside from the occasional appearances of the country’s Ministers of Tourism at select events, little progress had been made.
Besides, he decried the absence of concrete measures to elevate tourism to a standalone ministry, a goal long advocated by stakeholders.
Onung reiterated his call for collaboration among the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).
He explained that meaningful and profitable growth in the tourism sector could only be achieved through cooperative efforts.
Onung also canvassed for a blueprint, which should clearly state the roles and terms of engagement between the government and the private sector operators for the much-talked about inclusivity.
On the subject of collaboration and inclusivity, Onung insisted on a proper working document or template defining roles and terms of engagement and participation by all parties in the Nigeria tourism ecosystem.
He pointed out that this collaboration was crucial to jumpstart the process of recovering grounds lost in the past due to what he described as “bad leadership.”
“Besides this, we have been waiting for that working document to be able to establish a proper framework of engagement with government by us at FTAN representing the private sector.
“We are celebrating the resilience of these individuals who have survived these challenges and defied the odds in prevailing over the security and infrastructure challenges to remain in business,” he added.
