The Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) has pledged its commitment and focus to continue to engage governments at all levels to give tourism a practical voice in Nigeria.
The National President, FTAN, Mr Nkereuwem Onung made the pledge in a New Year message to Nigerians, saying the organised private sector shall continue to create new ways to ensure that tourism collaborations among all the major stakeholders are focused on making the industry more vibrant than ever.
While congratulating tourism stakeholders for witnessing a brand new year 2022, Mr Onung advised them to look at the pitfalls experienced in 2021.
“Last year, the new normal had begun to kick in, tourism events sprang up everywhere”, he said.
“In the months of November and December, 2021, we had events back to back. AKwaaba African Travel Market, Tourism and Transport Summit, awards, NAFEST, associations AGMs etc took place.
“As the industry anticipated a robust Christmas season for travels, we also witnessed apprehension caused by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 pandemic.
“Europe accused Africa and shut down air travel into countries and apprehension replaced anticipation.
“Those who travelled had several complications; some events were cancelled, among them are Carnival Calabar, Greater Lagos etc.
“As we enter the New Year, we don’t know what the Federal Government intends to do differently to make tourism grow.
“We will attempt again to engage them. The states can do better. Private Institutions of tourism can help. Stakeholders need unity and courage backed up by collaboration to run people-oriented and viable tourism industry to sustain and benefit all and sundry.
”All these are what we are going to reinforce through our Let’s do it together hashtag which we intend to launch in January 2022.”
He added that: “After the launch of #let’sdoittogetherfortourism, we will do a formal presentation to the public and private sector to show that we want a new narrative. The presentation will start with the president Muhammad Buhari, the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, states governors, Director Generals of tourism agencies and commissioners, the national assembly and serious stakeholders.
“The hashtag will become a national emblem and promotional material for every event taking place in Nigeria.
“That is going to be our first statement to kickstart the 2022 practical tourism commitment and agenda of the federation,’‘ Mr Nkereuwem Onung said.
Hauwa Abu
