October 07, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and the Ipada Initiative, have restated their commitment towards growing the country’s inbound tourism and related businesses.
Speaking during a familiarisation tour of the La Campagne Tropicana Resort in the Ikogun area of Lagos, last weekend, NATOP’s President, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, further disclosed that her members were ready to step up in the task of promoting local destinations, starting with the Ipada Initiative, which also includes the Ipada Carnival billed for later this year.
Mustapha, at the resort’s Pabirikoto Conference Room, venue of the press briefing, on Sunday, reiterated NATOP’s commitment to enhancing tourism in Nigeria through a healthy synergy with the Ipada management.
According to her, the move is aimed at encouraging the association’s members towards selling Ipada Initiative, including the forthcoming Ipada Carnival across the world.
She said, also the meeting provided crucial information to stakeholders towards effectively promoting Destination La Campagne Tropicana.
The NATOP President opined that the crucial role of tour operators in ensuring the success of this cultural event includes: Promotion and Marketing, Customised Tour Packages, Logistics and Planning, Cultural Education and Interpretation, Collaboration with Local Businesses, Visitor Management and Crowd Control, Health and Safety, Feedback Collection and Event Improvement.
She further noted that tour operators play crucial roles in event logistics, enriching cultural experiences and attracting diverse audiences, adding that they also show expertise in driving visitor engagement and showcasing Nigeria’s rich heritage while prioritising members’ interests.
She advised the members to exploit strategic marketing of the Ipada Carnival as a global destination, collaborating with organisers, as such development aims at making the people financially stable.
She explained this could be achieved through the creation of independent content, building packages and selling the destination beyond the carnival itself.
“NATOP remains fully committed to supporting the Ipada Carnival and working closely with all stakeholders to make this event a lasting celebration of Nigerian culture.
We look forward to contributing our expertise to make the carnival a resounding success, both for the community and for our members”, she noted.
Dignitaries, who graced the tour included: Honourable Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture; Kerens Hendrickson, Managing Director of Ancillary and Loyalty Services, Malaikair; Mr Nkereuwem Onung, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), as well as, the Chairman, Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel, Emeka Mba, amongst others.
Remarking while welcoming the group, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye Founder of La Campagne Tropicana and initiator of the Ipada Initiative, urged tour operators ‘to start work today, but the focus must be on their creativity.
Although re-echoing the Presidency’s strong interest in the event, Otunba Akinboboye informed that Kano State would take part completely in the carnival.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
