August 17, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), on Tuesday, launched a three-day training programme for local and international industry operators.
Titled “Enhancing Capacities of Tourism Stakeholders for Adapting to Customers’ Changing Needs”, the training programme draws participants from across the country, as well as the African continent.
According to the Tourism Ministry, the event, running from August 13 to 15, 2024, at the Valencia Hotel in Abuja, aims to bolster the sector’s resilience and adaptability.
In his keynote address, COMCEC Project Coordinator, Dr Emmanuel Okereke, who highlighted the pivotal role of tourism in fostering economic development and cultural exchange among nations, praised the Federal Ministry of Tourism for its approach to addressing current industry challenges and advancing regional cooperation.
Emphasising the need for continuous adaptation to customer demands and technological advancements, Dr Okereke noted that the Ministry’s efforts align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic growth through innovative and inclusive strategies.
Welcoming delegates to the training, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Mrs Ibiene Roberts, who represented the Minister, Lola Ade-John, expressed appreciation to the participants for their commitment towards seeking platforms aimed at enhancing their skills and knowledge.
She encouraged the foreign delegates to immerse themselves in Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and exceptional hospitality, noting that “such experiences would strengthen cross-cultural understanding and partnerships.”
According to Mrs Roberts, collaboration and knowledge-sharing are key components of the training programme, adding that “these values are central to the Honourable Minister’s vision and align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which focuses on fostering meaningful international relationships and driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Speaking, Director of International Tourism Relations and Cooperation, Mrs Dorothy Duruaku, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment towards advancing the tourism industry on the global stage.
She emphasised the Ministry of Tourism’s dedication to building robust international partnerships and supporting stakeholders in adapting to evolving market trends, even as she further highlighted the significance of the training programme in equipping participants with the tools and insights needed to thrive in a dynamic tourism landscape.
According to her, the Ministry of Tourism, alongside COMCEC and the participating organisations, is dedicated to “strengthening tourism stakeholders’ capacities and promoting Nigeria’s global tourism profile”.
“The focus is on innovation, collaboration, and capacity building as essential elements for elevating Nigeria’s tourism sector and contributing to its economic development”, Duruaku said.
International participants at the training programme include; the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda, as well as, delegations from Mali and The Gambia.
The Nigerian delegation is represented by tourism organisations and associations, including the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), Youth Tourism Development Organisation (YTDO), Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), Institute for Tourism Professionals (ITPN), Tourism Volunteers Network, Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA), Nigeria Hotels Association (NHA), and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).
Travel firms in attendance included Sarah John Nigeria Limited, All States Travel and Tours Ltd, Peaceful Sky Travel & Tours Ltd, Nova Rosa Travels, Nigeria Association Tour Operators (NATOP), Motley Travels and Logistics Ltd.
Others in attendance were Owende Catering School and representatives of the African Weaving Festival.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
