The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) recognises the need to advance Nigeria’s budding tourism sector and has proposed a National Tourism Summit in Abuja. During a recent courtesy visit to Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, the group proposed the summit.
The FTAN, led by its president, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, stressed the need to bolster government and private sector collaboration. The FTAN significantly strengthens private-sector associations to support government initiatives and advance Nigeria’s tourism industry.
While acknowledging the ministry’s legislative efforts made to resolve the conflicting and overlapping roles of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Onung also stressed FTAN’s close collaborations with government agencies, including the NIHOTOUR, to advance industry development.
“We are aware of the Honourable Minister’s strategic blueprint for the Art, Culture, and Creative Industry, which now includes Tourism, but our role is to ensure the unity of private and public sector associations to foster development and tourism growth”.
The FTAN president also proposed several strategies to boost Nigeria’s tourism growth: the establishment of a Council of Tourism Commissioners to foster state involvement in tourism development, a Tourism Satellite Account that will mirror the sector’s economic impact, and, most importantly, a National Tourism Summit that will comprehensively address industry challenges and encourage participation in international tourism exhibitions.
“We also propose a Tourism Satellite Account to accurately reflect its (the tourism sector) economic impact and seek reduction of multiple taxation in the hospitality sector. There is also a need to revitalise the Presidential Council on Tourism (PCT)”, Onung added.
In response, the Honourable Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, exposed the proactive engagement of FTAN and the private sector in promoting Nigeria’s tourism industry, acknowledging previous efforts in the Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy sectors, noting that “these efforts have laid the foundation for the growth and development of the tourism sector.”
The Minister reiterated her commitment to applying similar strategic frameworks to the tourism industry, confirmed the ministry’s efforts to revive the Presidential Council on Tourism, and revealed plans for extensive discussions at the forthcoming National Council of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.
“We will work closely with the private sector to address identified gaps and develop strategies that will drive the growth of the tourism sector. The Ministry will step up engagement with the private sector because collaboration and partnership are essential for the success of the tourism industry.”
The minister also re-established the ministry’s commitment to convening a National Tourism Summit to gather stakeholder input on industry development strategies. The summit is propped to “provide a platform for stakeholders to share their ideas and perspectives on how to drive the growth and development of the tourism sector.”
The minister added,h Withination 2030: Nigeria everywhere, the ministry is committed to making Nigeria a top tourism destination in Africa, and we will work tirelessly to achieve this goal.”
The proposed summit is of immense significance to Nigeria’s tourism sector. For one, it will help gather stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing the industry, fostering collaboration between the government and private sectors. This aligns with successful models in countries like Dubai, where public-private partnerships have significantly boosted tourism.
The summit’s focus on infrastructure development is also crucial, as seen in countries like Singapore, where well-planned infrastructure supports a thriving tourism sector. The summit will also help validate Nigeria’s Draft National Tourism Policy, modernising the industry with a focus on sustainability and community engagement, similar to Costa Rica’s policies, which have successfully promoted ecotourism.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is meant by National tourism?
National tourism is the tourism of resident visitors within and outside the country’s economic territory of reference.
- What is the National Action Plan for Tourism?
The National Action Plan 1992 focused on the overall social and economic development of the local communities involved in tourism activities. Tourism should benefit the local communities in different areas.
- What is the tourism policy in Nigeria?
The main thrust of the policy is to make Nigeria a prominent tourism destination in Africa, generate foreign exchange, encourage even development, promote tourism-based rural enterprises, generate employment, accelerate rural-urban integration and foster social-cultural unity.
