FTAN seeks extra enter to nationwide tourism coverage
By Taiye Olayemi
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has known as for additional contributions to the evaluation of the National Policy on Tourism and Hospitality.
Mr Nkereuwem Onung, National President, FTAN, made the decision on Saturday in Lagos on the Tourism and Hospitality Stakeholders’ validation of the 2024 Draft of the National Tourism Policy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reviews that the coverage is being reviewed by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Onung mentioned there was a necessity for absolute inclusiveness within the evaluation course of earlier than delving into the laws course of, as some associations inside FTAN weren’t carried alongside.
He mentioned this inclusive strategy was obligatory to collect numerous views and experience from stakeholders, making certain a sturdy and efficient coverage that may drive Nigeria’s tourism development.
“My commendation to those that put the draft evaluation copy of the National Tourism Policy collectively is that it’s a clever determination to evaluation the coverage as a result of the outdated one is outdated.
“But we needs to be given the privilege to make enter at FTAN, the umbrella physique of the tourism and hospitality practitioners in Nigeria.
“I thank Mrs Lola Ade-John, former Minister of Tourism, for the job she tried to do in the tourism industry,” he mentioned.
Also talking, Alhaji Muzali Dantata, Chairman, Board of Trustees, FTAN, mentioned that collaboration was key to attaining a sturdy evaluation of the tourism coverage.
“Each state should be carried along as well,” he mentioned.
Mr Ikechi Uko, Member, Board of Trustee, FTAN, steered that each affiliation inside the tourism and hospitality sectors be given the draft copy of the reviewed coverage to make their inputs.
Uko mentioned these people needs to be given two weeks for that objective.
He mentioned after this course of, some academia may very well be accessed to additional evaluation the coverage.
“Whatever is done today must be owned by the industry to make the policy work and ensure it is properly implemented,” he mentioned.
On his half, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General, Ekiti State Tourism Bureau, highlighted the necessity to have a useful authorized framework for tourism.
“We need fundamental laws, that will sustain this industry,” he mentioned.
Responding, Mrs Ngozi Ngoka, Thematic Lead, Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic Group, NESG, recalled that the National Tourism Policy was created in 1990 and final reviewed in 2005 to strategically improve and maintain the sector.
Ngoka mentioned that over 215 individuals have been concerned within the evaluation course of as that they had been engaged for 4 years.
She mentioned that however, the NESG would go additional to have interaction extra stakeholders as suggested.
“This is a big step towards shaping the way forward for tourism in Nigeria. We are presenting this coverage for validation in order that the Federal Government can proceed from there.
“But with the various interventions, we will look into what we can do to involve more hands,” she mentioned.
Mrs Lola Ade-John, the previous Minister of Tourism who started the evaluation course of, mentioned the evaluation was made attainable with the Ministry’s collaboration with NESG.
Ade-John mentioned: “We engaged stakeholders throughout each section of the trade to craft a complete tourism coverage.
“With collaborative efforts, we have been in a position to full the train by the top of May and the draft coverage was formally introduced to me on Aug. 22.
“I’m proud to say that this National Policy on Tourism and Hospitality, introduced to you right now, was meticulously crafted with enter from numerous stakeholders, together with authorities businesses, non-public sector companions, and worldwide specialists.
“It is strong and displays present tendencies in worldwide finest practices.
“It outlines strategic initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices, enhancing visitor experience, and ensuring the safety and security of our tourists.”
