Nigeria's Tourism: Stakeholders' collaboration Will Grow The Sector - NTDC Boss

 Nigeria's Tourism: Stakeholders' collaboration Will Grow The Sector - NTDC Boss

Eriacy Confidence Oba

Coneri Magazine

Stakeholders in the tourism industry have been urged to take advantage of collaborations to grow the sector rather than engage in unhealthy competitions amongst themselves.

The Director- General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, Mr. Folorunsho Coker made this call yesterday 26th August 2021 during the South South Stakeholders' Forum held at channels view hotel, Calabar with the theme" Use of Digital Technology To Revamp The Tourism And Hospitality Industry Amid Covid-19 and Security Challenges In Nigeria"

Mr. Coker who maintained  that tourism consists of many different sectors, each of which cannot operate in isolation, stressed on the need for collaboration amongst the different sectors for sustainable development. 

In his words, the former Lagos State Commissioner for tourism and Culture said" This is the season of collaboration, not the season of competition. In this season of Technological advancement, stakeholders should collaborate rather than compete" 

The NTDC Boss pointed out that there was a gab in the tourism policies between the Federal, state and Local Governments in terms of participation in the Development of the sector. He attributed the gab to tourism legislations and emphasized the need for legal frameworks for the sector. 

"Tourism Begins at the Local Governments, so, we need active participants at the local level for tourism to thrive" He said.

He charged tourism stakeholders to engage in regular training of their staff as well as adopt digital approaches to marketing their tourism products as covid 19 has brought about restrictions in the conduct of tourism activities and there was therefore need to adjust their modus operandi in to remain in business. 

Similarly, the Federal Government has pledged readiness to provide the enabling environment for all agencies and businesses to perform optimally. The permanent Secretary in the Federal ministry of information and Culture, Dr. Mrs Adoara Ayanwutaku, who was ably represented by the deputy director, Domestic and Eco-tourism, promotion and control, Mrs Sani Sodangi, made this revelation when beckoned upon to address South South Tourism Stakeholders in Calabar. She emphasized the need for tourism stakeholders to use digital platforms for competitive growth. 

In an address, the Cross River Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Hon. Eric Anderson expressed optimism in the growth of sector amid limitations occasioned by the presence of covid 19 pandemic. The Nollywood actor and successful showbiz entrepreneur said that tourism industry has come to terms with the adaptation to product and service enhancing technologies, including online transport and destination marketing on social media. 

Coneri Magazine gathered that the summit will extend to 27th August 2021 as Nigerian flavors, an initiative designed to showcase the tastes and flavours of the Nigerian cuisines is scheduled to hold at Marina Calabar.