By Jimoh Babatunde
On this World Tourism Day, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has emphasized that the ongoing survival of Nigeria’s travel and tourism industry highlights the impressive resilience of private sector stakeholders. These individuals have faced numerous challenges, including difficult operating conditions, yet they have continued to drive the industry forward and contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
In a message congratulating members on the occasion of the 2024 World Tourism Day (WTD), FTAN President Mr. Nkereuwem Onung applauded their efforts to sustain the sector amid various obstacles.
World Tourism Day is celebrated worldwide and is officially recognized by the United Nations. This year, the theme is “Tourism and Peace.”
During a virtual media briefing, President Onung noted that this year’s theme emphasizes the important role tourism plays in promoting cultural understanding and fostering global reconciliation.
He reiterated that the perseverance shown by the private sector in Nigeria has been vital in overcoming challenges and continuing the development of the economy through tourism.
Furthermore, Mr. Onung highlighted the significant impact travel can have in bridging cultural divides, facilitating dialogue, and encouraging peaceful coexistence.
“In a world often marked by conflict and misunderstanding, tourism shines as a beacon of hope, fostering respect for diverse cultures and promoting unity within communities,” he stated.
“World Tourism Day is not only a celebration of travel; it is also a celebration of our collective potential to build a more peaceful world.”
“Our members play a crucial role in this mission, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding that transcend borders,” he added.
On this occasion, the FTAN leader encouraged members to engage in activities that reflect this year’s theme and to consider the significance of this day while promoting the values of peace, understanding, and reconciliation in their practices.
“From organizing events to fostering dialogue between tourists and local communities, there are countless opportunities to promote peace through tourism,” he noted.
“We invite everyone in the tourism sector to reflect on the significance of this day and to continue advocating for the values of peace, understanding, and reconciliation.”
“Together, we can harness the transformative power of tourism to create a more harmonious world,” he concluded.
However, Mr. Onung expressed concern about the current lack of synergy between the public and private sectors under the present administration. He pointed out that aside from the occasional participation of the Minister of Tourism at selected events, “little progress has been made.”
He also lamented the absence of concrete measures to elevate tourism to a standalone ministry, a longstanding goal advocated by stakeholders.
“This is not the tourism industry we envisioned when the ministry was established, and it is disheartening to see the aspirations of many remain unaddressed,” he remarked.
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 emphasized that meaningful and sustainable growth in the tourism sector can only be achieved through cooperative efforts.
“Let’s all commit to working together to build a vibrant and impactful tourism industry that promotes peace and understanding for the benefit of all,” he stressed.
When addressing questions from the tourism press, Onung noted that there has been minimal progress in advancing the country’s tourism sector at the public level over the past two decades. He called for a clear blueprint that outlines the roles and terms of engagement between the government and private sector operators for meaningful inclusivity.
Regarding collaboration and inclusivity, Onung insisted on the necessity of a comprehensive working document that defines roles and participation for all parties within Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem. He emphasized that this is crucial for recovering lost ground due to what he described as “poor leadership.”
“In addition, we have been waiting for this working document to establish a proper framework for engagement with the government, with FTAN representing the private sector,” he stated.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience of these individuals who have faced challenges and defied the odds, overcoming security and infrastructure issues to maintain their businesses,” Onung concluded.
