September 25, (THEWILL) – The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has congratulated its members on the occasion of the 2024 World Tourism Day (WTD) billed for Friday, September 27, lauding their contributions towards sustaining the sector in the face of a myriad of challenges.
The WTD is celebrated globally and recognised by the United Nations. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Tourism and Peace”.
FTAN President, Nkereuwem Onung, during a virtual media briefing held on Wednesday, ahead of the event in Nigeria, said, “This year’s theme underscores the crucial role that the tourism sector plays in promoting cultural understanding and fostering reconciliation across the globe.”
Onung said 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 to date and contribute its quota to the sustenance and development of the Nigerian economy.
He recognised the “powerful impact travel can have in bridging cultural divides, facilitating dialogue, and nurturing peaceful coexistence”.
“In a world often challenged by conflict and misunderstanding, tourism serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging respect for diverse cultures and promoting unity within communities.
“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,” he stated.
The FTAN leader used the occasion to encourage members to engage in activities that align with this year’s theme, as well as reflect on the significance of the day and 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,” he said.
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”.
This is just as he lamented the absence of concrete measures to elevate tourism to a stand-alone 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,” he remarked.
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).
He emphasised that meaningful and profitable growth in the tourism sector can only be achieved through cooperative efforts.
“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,” he stressed.
Fielding questions from the tourism press, the FTAN President, who 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 state clearly 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 the 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,” Onung stated.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
