The President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria [FTAN] Mr. Nkereuwem Onung has congratulated his members on the occasion of the World Tourism Day Celebration billed for Friday the 27th of September, 2024.
World Tourism Day is commemorated annually on 27th of September to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value.
The theme for this year’s celebration is; ‘Tourism and Peace.’
According to him, during a virtual media briefing in Abuja ahead of the celebration, stated that this year’s theme ‘underscores the crucial role that the tourism sector plays in promoting cultural understanding and fostering reconciliation across the globe.’
Mr.Onung further affirmed that the survival of the country’s travel and tourism sector is a testament to the resilience of the private sector players who have 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.
‘The President also recognised the powerful impact travel can have in bridging cultural divides, facilitating dialogue, and nurturing peaceful coexistence.’
‘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 Boss used the occasion to encourage its diverse members to engage in activities that align 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.’
“From organising events to fostering dialogue between tourists and local communities, there are countless opportunities to promote peace through tourism.
“We invite everyone in the tourism sector to reflect on the significance of this day and to continue championing the values of peace, understanding, and reconciliation in their practices.
“Together, we can 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, noting that aside from the occasional appearances of the Minister of Tourism at select events, ‘little progress has been made.’
Ftan President lamented the absence of concrete measures to elevate tourism to a standalone ministry, a goal long 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 go unaddressed.
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).
President Onung further emphasized that meaningful and profitable growth in the tourism sector can only be achieved through cooperative efforts.
In his words, ‘Let us all commit to working together to build a vibrant and impactful tourism industry that promotes peace and understanding for the benefit of all.
While answering questions from the tourism press, the FTAN president noted that there has been little progress made at the public sector level in advancing the country’s tourism sector over the last two decades, said a blueprint is needed 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, the FTAN president insisted on a proper working document or template defining roles and terms of engagement and participation by all parties in the Nigeria tourism ecosystem, which he added, was crucial to jumpstarting 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.
