The Nation Newspaper

Category: Travels on Saturday

  • NATOP president: we need tourism ministry

    THE President of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, has  called on President Mohammadu Buhari to bring back the tourism ministry. He made the call during the celebration of the World Tourism Day.

    Onung said that the ministry should be restored because its revival would promote the value chain of tourism, and that the federal tourism ministry belonged with the national parks. He added that the country needed to develop the Nigerian dream and show pride in the its heritage. He commended the Change Begins with Me mantra of the government.

    He noted that the industry needed to look at what had been achieved and promote them. He said: “We need to look at what has been done in domestic tourism and promote them. Projects like ‘Seven Wonders of Nigeria’ need to be promoted. We need to articulate a workable master plan. It is time to look at infrastructure, look at our tourism assets and give the value. Nigerian tourism assets are viable. It is wrong to say that we don’t have viable assets. We need to look at infrastructure, look at our tourism assets and give value.”

    Onung in addition commended the Cross River State government for the steps so far taken in tourism.

    Also present at the celebration was the South Africa Tourism (SAT) team. The team was led by the regional director for West Africa, SAT, Lehlohonolo Pitso who said that his agency markets South Africa and the rest of the continent while it cross markets Nigeria as a destination.

    On the state of tourism in Nigeria, tourism expert and the organiser of the only travel fair in West Africa, Akwaaba Travel fair, Mr. Ikechi Uko, said it had regressed to the pre-Obasanjo era. He said: “The private sector is in disarray, state governments are not motivated to do what they are supposed to do. That was the state we were in 1998. We are no more in any travel exhibition anywhere in the world. We are not participating even in local events. So, we have gone back to where we were in 1998.

    “It is a sad commentary. Obasanjo came, created a ministry, tourism masterplan, Presidential Council on Tourism (PCT), Abuja Carnival, a more energised council on tourism, and tourism started booming. He empowered the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), but today, masterplan is nowhere, PCT is nowhere, council on tourism is nowhere, the Abuja Carnival is nowhere, the NTDC is nowhere.

    “So, practically everything we know as tourism in Nigeria has disappeared. This is because of the people who got into government, those who took over the administration of tourism in Nigeria, those at the ministry and at NTDC, they destroyed what they met. They did not move us to a better position. They took us backwards. So, some of the small achievements that we have notched were lost. They were all frittered away.“

    Uko said there was a need to go back to what was done in 1999, to bring tourism back to where it ought to be. He said the country needed  a tourism ministry that would bring every body together.

  • Motherland Beckons takes on Destination Akosombo

    MOTHERLAND Beckons has continued to build on its Continent Building Project as it has extended its influence in promoting and marketing the African continent to Ghana, specifically the northern district of the West African country. It has picked the famed Akosombo town as the next destination to be exposed to the world.

    To this end, an all inclusive promotional tour package labelled Destination Akosombo Ghana (DAG) has been designed to draw traffic to this sleepy but richly endowed community in the south of Asuogyamna District in the Eastern Region of the country.

    In a bid to entrench the new-found love for destination Ghana by exposing business travellers and tourists to other equally enriching and attractive regions of the country, the Ghanaian High Commissioner to Nigeria, William Azumah Awinador Kanyirige, approached the founder of Motherland Beckons, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, seeking the deployment of his expertise and platform.

    Besides holding discussions, the envoy and over five of his aides hosted Akinboboye and his team on tour of the various districts of the country, at the end of which Akosombo was chosen as the next destination to be promoted given its enduring and rich history, development, business opportunities and tourist attractions.

    Motherland Beckons, which has the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, as grand patron, is designed primarily to serve as a link between the people of African descent in The Diaspora and Africa, their ancestral root. Over the years, it has succeeded in bringing thousands of the over 700 million people of African descent in The Diaspora to the continent through tours across the various countries and business investments besides various profitable and adventurous engagements.

    Destination Akosombo Ghana is geared towards meeting the expectations by encouraging and creating a platform for Nigerians in particular and other Africans on the continent and in The Diaspora to travel to Ghana to explore its rich history, culture, tourism, businesses and people, among others.

    To launch, a comprehensive tour package has been put together for October 22 with the following activities: Kamp Africa, a camp for children aged 5-17. The essence  of the camp is to inculcate African cultures, values and norms in children in an Africa-themed eco-friendly environment. Activities at the camp would include learning how to prepare African cuisine, tying head gear (gele), playing simple African instruments, African dance, experience simulated African wedding and naming ceremony, and tales by moonlight every night around the bonfire.

  • African Travel Awards winners shortlisted

    African Travel Awards winners shortlisted

    The process for the selection of the 2016 Africa Travel Awards winners has started this month. The awards are for Africans to choose what they consider the best players on the travel and tourism landscape in Africa.

    A pan-African committee of travel professionals from different countries in Africa drew up a shortlist of nominees to be voted for by the public. The criteria for the choices were listed alongside the nominees.

    This will be the 4th edition. According to organiser, Mr. Ikechi Uko,the awards will be coming up on October 30 at the Travellers Night Dinner during Akwaaba African Travel Market. 22 awards will be given out. The committee members are drawn from East, West, South and Central Africa and it is not surprising that most of the nominees are from Sub-Saharan Africa.

    The committee members include: Denis Gathanju, a passionate journalist and photographer based in East Africa; Sandra Idossou is an Afropolitan hotelier, trainer, mystery shopper, consultant, writer, author, traveller, publisher;  Chiquita Afuluenu Johnson is the former national tourism consultant for the Republic of Liberia and CEO of West Tourism Management; Monique Swart is the Founder of the African Business Travel Association (ABTA).

    Other members include Ali Diouf, an experienced journalist from Senegal, Sheikh Tejan; and an experienced tourism administrator from The Gambia. Charity Githinju, a travel expert based in Tanzania. Siphelele Luthuli is a travel consultant and communication expert from South Africa. Khomotso Kelsall also a South African-based travel consultant. From Uganda is Barbra Adoso, a leading tour operator, and Nancy Sam Quartey from Ghana. Other tour operators include Benin Republic-based Olanma Ojukwu and Fifi Rurungwa, a Kenyan-based Rwandan operator. Rwanda- based Catherine Mutuale, Nigerian based Atinuke Nwakohu and Kenyan Annet Nashipae are all travel consultants. The Ghanaian journalist Samuel Doe is joined by Nigerian blogger Olori Supergal and Tunis Silas from The Gambia.

    This is self-explanatory and doesn’t go to the biggest or grandest airport, but to that airport that provides the best travel experience to passengers: Banjul Airport, Gambia,  Tambo Airport, Jo’burg, South Africa, Cape Town Airport, South Africa and  Kotoka Airport, Accra, Ghana  and Lome Airport, Togo.

    African Aviation Personality:  Carla Da Silva, Air Mauritius,  John Mirenge, Rwanda Air.

    Best Airline in Africa: Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar, Turkish. Best short haul Airline in Africa: RwandAir, Kulula, ASKY , South Africa Airways (SAA).

    Best online booking platform in Africa:  Wakanow.com, Kenya Airways, Tala Tours Ghana, Travelstart and Jumia Travels.

    Tourism Marketing Award (for Marketing within Africa): South Africa Tourism. 2. Magical Kenya and many other categories.

  • Lagos to host Tourism Day celebration

    Lagos to host Tourism Day celebration

    Lagos State will on September 27 host the 2016 World Tourism Day (WTD). The event will take place in Badagry. The Minister of Culture and Information , Alhaji Lai Mohammed, will lead the Federal Government’s delegation to the celebration.

    The theme for this year’s celebration is Tourism for All – Promoting universal accessibility.  World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27 to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

    In a message to the world on the day, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Secretary General, Mr. Talib Rifai, said: “Tourism has experienced a revolution in the past 50 years. In 1950, there were 25 million international tourists; today there are around 1.2 billion people travelling the world. Travelling has become a huge part of many lives.

    “When travelling, we come across new people, new sights and new ideas. Often, our perception of the world changes as we see more of it. However, we must not forget that for many, travelling can be quite a difficult process.

    “15 per cent  of the world’s population is estimated to live with some form of disability. That is 1 billion people around the world who may be unable to enjoy the privilege of knowing other cultures, experience nature at its fullest and experience the thrill of embarking on a journey to explore new sights.

    “Accessibility for all should be at the centre of tourism policies and business strategies not only as a human right, but also as a great market opportunity.

    “With the world’s population ageing, all of us will benefit sooner or later from universal accessibility in tourism.

    “As we celebrate World Tourism Day, let us recall that all of the world’s citizens have the right to experience the incredible diversity this planet has to offer.”

  • Dubai Parks and Resorts on the move

    Dubai Parks and Resorts on the move

    Dubai Parks and Resorts is set to bring unprecedented amazing themed park experiences to millions of visitors across the world, including Nigeria beginning from October 31, 2016 when it officially opens the new Wonderland.

    With a focus on becoming the largest integrated themed park in the Middle East, six cumulative experiences await visitors including Motiongate Dubai; Bollywood Parks Dubai; Legoland Dubai; Legoland Water Parks; Lapita and Riverland Dubai all fused into the 25 million square feet Dubai Parks and Resorts landscape.

    The park is designed to offer new heights in entertainment with the Motiongate Dubai showcasing everything Hollywood while Bollywood Parks Dubai brings to life first-hand experience of the globally celebrated Indian movie industry and the Legoland Dubai and Water Parks, the very first of its kind in the Middle East region.

    To attract visitors from Nigeria and West Africa, Dubai Parks and Resorts recently signed partnership with four leading travel management companies in the country – Tour Brokers International, Wakanow, Quantum/Ajala, based in Lagos and All States Travels based in Abuja, to provide exclusive information and marketing support services on behalf of Dubai Parks and Resorts to teeming Nigerian and West African visitors.

  • Lufthansa partners Air China

    The Lufthansa Group and Air China have signed a wide-reaching partnership agreement in Beijing which will enable the two aviation groups to jointly operate all connections between Europe and China as part of a commercial joint venture.

    This means that the two companies will successfully implement what they agreed to do as part of a memorandum of understanding in summer 2014.

    The joint venture aims to significantly expand their mutual code-sharing connections and enhance their commercial partnership. This will allow the Lufthansa Group to continue pursuing its partnership-driven Asia strategy. Following a joint venture with the Japanese airline All Nippon Airlines (ANA) and a joint venture with Singapore Airlines, which was signed in November 2015, this is now the Lufthansa Group’s third enhanced partnership in Asia.

    “As the flag carrier, Air China is the ideal partner for the Lufthansa Group in the People’s Republic of China. This ground-breaking joint venture will fundamentally strengthen our competitive position on routes between Europe and China. The significantly enhanced partnership will enable us to create additional benefits for customers,” said Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, at the signing of the agreement in Beijing.

    “The Chinese aviation market is one of the most important growth markets worldwide. We want to profit from this growth together with our Star Alliance partner Air China,” added Spohr.

  • Govs storm Ojude Oba, praise Awujale

    The 2006 Ojude Oba Festival  was held last Wednesday, the third day after the Muslims’  festival of Eid El Mubarak . The event attracted thousands to the ancient town of Ijebu Ode.

    On display was the richness of the Ijebu rich culture that dates back to more than 100 years.  There are two aspects of the festival. The homage to the king, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. Indigenes of  Ijebuland, whatever their positions, join their age groups, singing and dancing  to pay homage to the reigning monarch. The groups  come in traditional attire to show that they have done well within the last one year.

    This year’s event had in attendance three governors: the host, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson, who was the special guest of honour,  and the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai.

    It is a testament to the richness and strength of the Ijebu culture that despite the heavy downpour, the age groups made their way to the VIP stand to pay homage to the king.

    The horse riders were also not left out in the fun. They enthusiastically danced inside the rain, but were prevented from full equestrian display by the slippery floor.

    Speaking on the event, the founder  of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Otunba Subomi Balogun, himself a prince of Ijebu,  said: “Every Ijebu person looks forward to the annual Ojude Oba event. Ojude Oba is held within the palace or in the front of the Awujale Palace.

    ”I think it was about 1892, when my own ancestor, Oba Adesumbo  Tunwase,  signed the treaty of the relationship with the British queen and gave land to the Muslims to establish their central mosque. At the same time, he agreed with the British missionaries to preach  in Ijebuland. He even went further to allow some of his children to be baptized. To cap it all, he gave out the land on which the first church in Ijebuland was built. That is St. Saviour ‘s. So, from my  background and association, and what the Good Lord has endowed me with, it will be  unpatriotic of me, if I don’t play a leading role in this most important cultural and traditional event of the Ijebu.”

    The state governors, in their speeches, called for unity among Nigerians.

    Governor Amosun said:  “It is not where one comes from or religion that should count, but one’s diligent service. We should emulate Kabiyesi’s ability to forge unity among his people, despite different religions. We should live in togetherness, love and harmony, not only in Ogun State but also in Nigeria.”

    Governor el-Rufai praised the Awujale for sustaining festival  as an annual event.

    He said: “I came here not as governor, not as guest of Governor Amosun or as a member of the All Progressives Congress. I’m here because Awujale is my father, a man of great wisdom, unparalleled courage and integrity.

    “Throughout my public service and exile, he was a true father to me. He advised and even supported me financially. I know the dream of Ijebu State is close to your heart and one can pray for your long life to see Ijebu State come to pass,”

    Among the major sponsors for this year’s event is FCMB.

  • SA team visits Brooklyn Tourist Centre

    The Brooklyn Tourist Centre, Port Harcourt, played host to the South Africa Tourism (SAT) trade team.

    The team was in Port Harcourt in continuation of its workshop and road- show in Nigeria’s key cities of Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

    In Port Harcourt, the team took time out to tour the city and visit  the Brooklyn Tourist Centre in Port Harcourt. At the centre, the visitors were taken round the facilities which  include the  zoo and Museum of African History and Culture.

    At the museum, pictures of African leaders and kings which include King Jaja of Opobo, Chaka Zulu, the late Julius Nyerere and many others were on display. There was also at the museum, the history of the evolution of the Nigeria leaders from Lord Lugard to the current government.

    Speaking on the visit, the proprietor of the centre, Chief  Mike Amachree praised the South African trade delegation for the roadshow in Nigeria and urged greater co-operation between Nigeria and South Africa.

    He said: “South Africa and Nigeria are one and we are happy to work with you. I urge you to work and partner our tour operators and travel agents to source for tourists to Nigeria.”

    Alabo Amachree used the opportunity to applaud the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for the giant strides the governor is making in developing the tourism potential of the state.

    He said Governor Wike had started   erecting  two magnificent edifices that would help attract tourists from within and outside the region to the state.

    Speaking on behalf the team, Mr. Mohammed Kwajaffa, praised Chief Amachree for the initiative.

    The South African Tourism Regional Manager for West Africa, Mr. Lehlohonolo Pitso, said: “This is the first time South African tourism started expanding into other cities. For the first time, we are actually doing five cities in West Africa. In Ghana, we are doing Kumasi and Accra. In Nigeria, we are doing Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja . This is good for us”.

  • Wakanow signs MoU with UAE’s largest resort

    Africa’s leading travel portal, Wakanow, has signed an agreement with Dubai Parks and Resorts, becoming its largest African fulfilling partner for ticket sales.

    The Group Deputy Managing Director of Wakanow, Mr. Ralph Tamuno, who also happens to be the first African entrepreneur to set foot on the grounds of the wonder-packed resort, said the partnership would open a new vista of opportunities and unique experiences for the African traveller.

    Explaining how Wakanow was selected from a pool of travel companies in Africa, Mr. Tamuno said: “Beyond our strategic goal of always leading the way and shaping the travel business in Africa, we also collaborate with other market leaders from within and outside the continent to create value for our fast-growing travel market. Dubai Parks and Resorts is a massive investment and its owners clearly needed a partner with pedigree and panache. Wakanow was the natural choice for such a partner.”

    Speaking during the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the groups, Head of Sales at Dubai Parks and Resorts, Mr. Elwin Kemming, described the partnership as a bold step in creating remarkable experiences for travellers from Africa.

    “Our partnership with Wakanow is a union of two widely admired tourism brands, joining forces together to provide memorable experiences for travel lovers globally. With deep-rooted presence throughout Africa, we are confident that Dubai Parks and Resorts can consolidate on Wakanow’s significant reach and foothold across the African market,” he stated.

    Dubai Parks and Resorts is the biggest multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination in the Middle East, comprising Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Parks and Bollywood Parks.

    On October 31, the park will throw its gates open to the public and will feature over 100 mind-blowing thrill rides, spread across the spectacular four themed parks, each unique in their offerings and experiences.

    Wakanow is one of Africa’s leading online travel portals, providing seamless services in flights, hotels, travel deals and holiday packages to millions of travellers in Africa and beyond.