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Tag: FTAN

  • FTAN forum tourism holds next month

    FTAN forum tourism holds next month

    The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria [FTAN] in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Administration [FCTA] has announced that the second edition of their Tourism Investment Forum will hold next month.

    The event slated for June 10-11, 2014 will be held at the prestigious Ladi Kwali Hall of Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Towers.

    According to Chief Tomi Akingbogun, President of FTAN, the objectives of the program are to among others enable stakeholders to discuss and address some vital element towards the development and maintenance of tourism products and destinations that can induce creation of new tourism frontiers.

    Other reasons according to Akingbogun for the forum are, to showcase the potentials of the tourism sector to the economic development of Nigeria; to organize as well as to promote local tourism products and destinations to Nigerians before taking the same to the international market; and to strengthen relationship between the tourism investors and their services/product providers.

    The two-day event will include seminar and exhibition and are expected to give a new direction for the tourism industry; with participants expected from federal agencies, states, airlines, hotels, travel agents, and tour operators among others.

    FTAN President assured that necessary contacts are still being made within and outside the sector to mobilise stakeholders to grace the second edition of the investment forum next month.

    Meanwhile, this year’s edition presentations will include; Developing Nigeria’s Travel and Tourism: The Kenyan Experience by the Managing Director of Kenyan Tourism Board, Travel and Tourism Contribution To Nigeria Gross Domestic Products [GDP] by the Director General of Federal Office of Statistics [FOS], Identifying Nigeria’s Tourism Products by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation and Medical Tourism: Prospect in Ondo State.

    Other papers to be presented are, Balancing Tourism Development and Revenue Generation by the Minister of Finance and  Coordinating Minister for the Economy,  Application of Legal Framework for Sustainable Travel and Tourism Development in Nigeria, FCT as an Emerging Conference Destination in Africa by FCT Minister, Affordable Air Transport: Tool for Development of Tourism by Captain Boyo and finally Promoting Domestic Tourism: Tool for National Economic Development by the Director general of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation [NTDC]

    Chief Tomi noted that the tourism investment’s forum will be used to urge the government to quickly address some difficulties operators are facing, especially high interest rates, double taxation, and the need for reorientation of Nigerians to patronize local tourism products/destinations, that the current level of occupancy and low tourism activities in the country cannot support.

    NTIFE is an annual convergence of public and private sector Tourism practitioners, Federal and State officials.

    The 2013 edition recorded a huge success with over 3,000 participants and exhibitors in attendance.

  • FTAN partners NTDC on domestic tourism

    The Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) has pledged to partner Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, (NTDC) on its mission to re-position domestic tourism for national development.

    FTAN President, Chief Tomi Akingbogun made the pledge while discussing with the Director-General of NTDC Mrs Sally Mbanefo on areas of collaboration with the corporation.

    Chief Akingbogun, who was accompanied by members of the executive council of the association, commended Mrs Mbanefo for the initiative to foster collaboration between the two organisations adding that FTAN is an umbrella body for all tourism associations in the country.

    “Your organisation drives the tourism vehicle while we make sure that the  vehicle  is not  only occupied  but  that the passengers have an evergreen and memorable experience on ground,” Chief Akingbogun  said, noting that the major roles of the federation include to consult, advise and represent the private sector in policy formulation and  implementation.

    He also commended Mrs Mbanefo for offering the sector a new vista via the domestic tourism campaign, which he said, if embraced by Nigerians would expand the scope of business for tourism stakeholders.

    “You have instilled confidence of purpose in the Sector since you assumed office. You are sequentially living up to your promises and implementing your programmes of action. Your performance at the World Travel Market in London last year vividly showcased you as a lady of purpose and promise. We are here not only to assure you of our support and willingness to collaborate with you but to identify with your vision,” he said.

    Mrs. Mbanefo who lauded the initiative of FTAN described it as a right move in right direction, adding that partneering FTAN on regular basis will enhance private sector collaboration and help in marketing and promotion of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

    She said that her duty is to fast track acts and activities, which can help in promotion of domestic tourism in Nigeria “I am glad to have a willing partner in FTAN. I am happy the association has keyed into the domestic tourism vision. It is a testimony that there is a hope of bloom for the tourism sector.” Mrs. Mbanefo stressed that FTAN would be a strategic partner with NTDC “as we need all hands on deck to make tourism grow”.

    She recalled some programmes she has engendered since her appointment which include organising stakeholders meeting for both private and public sectors, signing of MOU with various private sector such as ABC Transport, Arik Airline, Redington Hospital, Visa, Heritage Bank and Turkish Nigeria Chamber, reconstruction of NTDC House  (Green House), training of staff for professional tour guide with NIHOTOUR, interaction and networking with ministers of African Countries all cultivating honour, advancing the cause of Nigeria, and at present visiting  the six geo political zones  to  identify, authenticate and prioritise the development and enhancement of the tourist attractions. She said that “the essence of my appointment is to bring in private sector experience and drive the public sector to be able to shift focus from over dependence on government subversion for funding”.

  • FTAN holds AGM, gets new exco

    FTAN holds AGM, gets new exco

    The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the apex national tourism body for private sector practitioners, has elected a new executive to pilot the affairs of the body for the next two years. The new exco was elected during this year’s annual general meeting held at the Nanet Suites in Abuja.

    The former National Deputy President, Chief Tomi Akingbogun, emerged as the President. Other members of the new exco include Chief Ini Akpabio, the CEO of Nanet Suites who emerged as the First Deputy President, while Mallam Rabo Saleh Kareem of All States Travel emerged as Second Deputy President; Chief Biodun Odunsanwo, Vice President, South West; Anofiok Ekong, Vice President, FCT; Arch. David Binga, Vice President, North East; Chief Alex Edom, Vice President, North West; Rev. E. Yakpogoro, Vice President, South-South; Mr. Shemshak Gompil, Vice President, North Central; Ngu Darlington, Vice President, South East. Other officers are ZakariAbdullahi, Treasurer; Prince Gani Adebiyi,Membership Secretary; Mr. Shola Ilupeju,Membership Secretary; Mazi Chuzy Nnodu, Membership Secretary; Nma Jennifer Iwuanyanwu, Internal Auditor; Mr. Lucky George, Publicity Secretary; Mr. Segun Adetayo, Publicity Secretary II and Mrs. Joy Dike, Legal Adviser.

    In his speech on the occasion, the former FTAN President, Chief Samuel Alabi, decried the poor funding of the tourism sector,saying it is hampering the development of the sector. He called on the incoming executives to put pressure on the government to increase the funding of the sector.

    He also called on the ministry to involve the FTAN in the planning and staging of the Abuja Carnival.

    On the decree setting up the NTDC, Alabi said the NTDC Decree of 1992 was obsolete and needs urgent review. He called on the FTAN to improve on its liaison with the members of the National Assembly for it to be amended.

    In his acceptance speech after the election, Chief Tomi Asigbogun called on members to support the new FTAN executive. Some of the areas he said the new leaders of the FTAN will focus on include: expanding the membership base of the association; reactivating member associations that are not doing so well and reconciling associations with erring members. He promised that the FTAN shall continue to work with media and government agencies to encourage Nigerians to patronize domestic tourism products.

    He also said FTAN would continue ‘to push for development and expansion of Nigerian Domestic tourism products; the situation as we have it leaves a potential tourism investor with inadequate information as to areas of tourism products needing investment. Hence we have over concentration of investments in some sectors resulting in undue competition for limited customers while many areas of Tourism are left undeveloped.’

     

     

  • FTAN President, Adejuwon kick against Runsewe’s removal

    Reactions have continued to trail the removal of the former boss of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Segun Runsewe.

    Among those who recently expressed their indignation were the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Chief Samuel Alabi, and Dr. Franklin Adejuwon, former Chairman, Presidential Committee on Tourism Masterplan.

    Speaking on the issue, Alabi described the government’s action as a blow to the development of the tourism industry in the country.

    He said: “ I have to confirm that I am yet to be officially informed that there has been a change of barton. But be that as it may, I can say that I met Otunba Runsewe during the course of my assignment as FTAN president. I saw, from my interaction with him, a man that has zeal and passion for the development of the industry. It bothers on circumventing due process in governance in Nigeria. There is a term stipulated in the decree and that was not complied with. It is another blow to the development of industry. When a person is given a term of four years and that term is still subsisting…There was no probe, no panel and nothing is communicated to the public and suddenly the person is removed from office, it calls for questions.”

    He continued: “Runsewe transformed the NTDC from what we used to know it to a very visible corporation. In the past, many people would not be happy, if they were given the position of the NTDC Director-General, but now, that guy, whom I said I never knew before I became the President of the NTDC, did wonderfully well. I don’t treat people on the basis of how I know them, and I can say categorically that I have no direct dealing with Otunba Runsewe further than the FTAN-NTDC job.

    “I pray for the woman that is there now that God will give her the courage and strength to move tourism far above what she met. I can tell you that Nigerians are used to certain standards of activities in the NTDC. Anybody that will go there and try to go back to the pre-Runsewe era will not find it easy. Again, I have no apology to anybody. I am not a contractor; I am not a civil servant and equally, I don’t ask for money from anybody. I am just saying things the way they are.

    “I know wherever Otunba Runsewe finds himself , he will not fail because of the way he handles issues. This is my position on the matter.”

    Dr. Adejuwon said: “He kept on burning the candle at both ends to keep the industry alive. Why must he now be the scapegoat, while indolent people are left to perpetuate the uninnovative existence? Government is its own worst enemy. It has always created and demolished.”

  • FTAN, FCT hold investment forum

    The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria [FTAN] in collaboration with the Federal Capital Development Administration [FCDA] has concluded arrangement to organise Nigeria’s first tourism investment forum.

    The event, slated for May 21 to 22 will hold at the prestigious Ladi Kwali Hall of Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Towers

    According to Chief Samuel Alabi, President of FTAN, the objective of the programme is to enable stakeholders discuss and address the issue of funding as vital element towards the development and maintenance of tourism products and destinations that can induce creation of new tourism frontiers by the creation of accessible funds.

    Other reasons put for forward by Alabi on the need for the forum are: to showcase the potential of the tourism sector to the economic development of Nigeria; to organize as well as to promote local tourism products and destinations to Nigerians before taking same to the international market and strengthen relationship between the tourism investors and their service/ product providers.

    The two- day event, which will comprise a seminar and exhibition, is expected to proffer a new direction for the tourism industry, most critically the much-talked about “Tourism Intervention Fund” which is yet to see the light of the day.

    Participants are expected from federal agencies, states, airlines, hotels, travel agents, tour operators, among others.

    FTAN president said necessary contacts are still being made within and outside the sector to ensure that the issue of intervention fund is given the deserved attention.