May 21, (THEWILL)- The Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, has reiterated the imperative of collaboration among key policymakers in overcoming existing industry challenges in the country.
The Minister, who spoke during the just-concluded Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the 36 state Commissioners of Tourism, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), emphasised that collaboration will further “create an environment conducive to sustainable growth and prosperity”.
The AGM, which had in attendance State Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Tourism from the 36 states of the federation, was held at the Sandralia Hotel in Jabi, Abuja, from May 14-15.
The event marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and innovation within Nigeria’s vibrant tourism industry.
The two-day gathering also brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Tourism, as well as delegates from various government agencies, tourism associations, and private sector practitioners.
In her keynote address, the Minister underscored the importance of collaboration and unity in harnessing the immense potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector.
This is also as she emphasised the need for concerted efforts to overcome existing challenges and create an environment conducive to sustainable growth and prosperity.
“As Nigeria continues to position itself as a premier tourism destination, events like the Annual General Meeting serve as catalysts for progress, driving innovation, and fostering collaboration across the industry.
“The Federal Ministry of Tourism remains committed to advancing the nation’s tourism agenda and looks forward to building on the momentum generated during this successful gathering,” the Minister said.
During the meeting, participants engaged in robust discussions aimed at addressing challenges and exploring opportunities for growth and development within the sector.
Key topics included the enhancement of tourism infrastructure, the importance of reliable tourism statistics for informed decision-making, and strategies for promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Technical sessions featuring presentations on topics such as community-based tourism and unlocking Nigeria’s tourism potential provided valuable insights and sparked constructive dialogue among attendees.
The event culminated in the formulation of actionable resolutions designed to propel the industry forward, including initiatives to establish a comprehensive tourism development fund and strengthen partnerships between government entities and the private sector.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
