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Tag: tourism

Managing tourism

Title: Tourism Destination Management; A Guide for Policy Makers and Destination Management
Author: Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe
Reviewer: Nneka Nwaneri
Publishers: Prince of Prints, Lagos

Tourism is now a major engine of growth and development contributing significantly to Gross Domestic Product of many nations.

Arising from the Earth Summit in 1992 organised by World Commission on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, sustainability has become a major ingredient for development.

This book takes a cue from the publication of the World Tourism Organisation ( Indicators of Sustainable Development of Tourism Destination a Guidebook) to further help and inform Policy Makers and Destination Managers to obtain as much information as possible to guide their decision making process.

To further articulate and interpret the subject matter, a set of component issues are provided including its performance indicators and verification to allow deeper knowledge. Sustainable development of tourism is applicable to all forms of tourism without exception.

Tourism destination cannot exist without tourism product. Tourism products are the assets of the local community. They include complimentary attractions such as natural resources (beaches, waterfalls, mountains, ecosystems and landscapes) cultural and historical resources (festivals, historic sites, museums, local food) infrastructural facilities (roads, marinas, airport terminals) and support services ( tour operations, courier services, insurance, tourist information office etc).

These attractions are planned in an integrated manner with the community aspiration and their active participation. The planning also involves creating partnership with other stakeholders such as travel agents, the tour operators, the hotel owners, the transporters and owners of the heritage sites to mention but a few.

These attractions are planned in an integrated manner with the community aspiration and their active participation. The planning also involves creating partnership with other stakeholders such as the travel agents, the tour operators, the hotel owners, the transporters and owners of the heritage sites to mention but a few.

There should be fundamental principles of creating tourism products, its development guidelines, planning process and marketing strategy. Planners are encouraged to develop as many as what to see and what to do because tourism products are amalgamation of attractions, because the more of what to do and what to see; the more the visitors are attracted to the destination.

The author made reference to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and the United Nations Environmental Programme, which set out twelve aims towards achieving sustainable development through tourism.

From the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Human Development Report of 2003 reviewed in 2011 and 2013 respectively, it was reported that these aims are set to reduce poverty in the world. Already over 1.2 billion people are in extreme poverty level. More than two-third of them live in Asia, half of them are in South Asia while one fourth reside in Sub-Sahara Africa. The larger majority of the poor live in medium and large size countries. More than sixty percent of the event world’s poor reside in just five countries and other less developed nations live in hunger and malnutrition, lack access to good health, water, housing, education and basic skills.

The book tourism development is recommended to some of these countries as a means of combating poverty thereby reducing their poverty level and improving their quality of life.

The overall objective of the concluding part of the book is to identify specific policy areas for which policy implementation can be formulated to reduce poverty and improve the well-being of the people. The policy area articulated include conservation of physical integrity, visitor’s fulfilment, economic viability of tourism enterprises, its local prosperity, employment opportunities and the impact on the wellbeing of the local population.

Visitors appeals are the attractions of the destination which could be natural, cultural, historical and manmade. Maintenance and conservation of the attractions with respect to local circumstance are subject to policy formation. Government is encouraged to develop appropriate policies that will bring about deliberate actions towards sustainable development.

Sustainable development of tourism requires sound planning as well as protection and management of key elements such as destination assets, involvement of the local community and other stakeholders.

Where no plan exists in a locality, it becomes imperative to identify possible assets and collate data on all elements associated with tourism potentials and threats. Where a plan exists, then evaluate current tourism plan, issues and objectives to improve upon the existing system and initiate plans in consonance with sustainable development of tourism.

The chapter is designed to provide in-depth study on destination planning and development by throwing more lights on tourism and planning, destination elements and characteristics, types of planning approach, destination development and control including parties that make tourism work at a destination. Policy Makers and Destination Managers are encouraged to understand the planning process in tourism and what makes tourism work sustainably in a destination.

Who has the mandate to plan and manage tourism destination?, the author asks.

He went further in the publication to describe tourism as multi-sectorial and multi-discipline where no single entity (stakeholder) can lay absolute acknowledge to its management. It bore on the importance of destination managers to understand the policy behind sustainability.

The highlight of the success of the any destination is based on the following:

•Emphasis on poverty reduction and increase on the quality of life of the local residents;

•Protection of unique ecosystem, heritage sites and places of memory.

•Establishment of the role of private sector in the planning, financing, implementation and ownership of the tourism operations;

•Ensuring that the poor play active role in the supply of goods and services including management of destinations;

•Development of effective marketing and promotion strategies;

•Co-ordination of essential government services;

•Creating awareness among the stakeholders and the local community;

•Ensuring implementation of regulation and control throughout the destination area.

Tourism Destination Management; A Guide for Policy Makers and Destination Management gives an insight into the roles of various stakeholders and the Destination Management Organisation in the overall management of the destinations.

Tourism destination is a place where visitors spend atleast one night. It covers a geographical and administrative boundary where products and services are offered to the visitors.

Visitors in turn absorb complimentary and experiences, and share same with other (friends, families, colleagues and group). These complimentary and experiences are expectations. They could either be interesting or unpleasant. It is a place where several actors and stakeholders nest, network and offer their services. They are not limited to the following; public authorities, destination management organizations, transport operators, accommodation providers, heritage conservators, travel agent, tour operators, tour guide, financial institutions, other ancillaries and service providers including the host community.

Destinations vary depending on their assets and unique attractions. While issues affecting one destination may be similar to the other but several destinations are distinct in their attractiveness. This chapter is designed for tourism professionals and managers of destinations to understand and appreciate the complexity, flexibility, similarity and uniqueness of destinations.

It is certainly possible that issues affecting cultural heritage sites in the areas of protection and conservations are likely to have similar issues of ecosystem and biodiversity with beaches and coastal zones.

July 20, 2014
How tourism can boost economy, by expert

A tourism expert, Mr Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe, has decried inadequate knowledge and investment in the tourism industry of the country which can be well tapped to improve its economy.

He said sustaining the industry is just as important for the realisation of the dreams of a county as well as utilise products that can help create wealth.

Mr Fadipe, who was the pioneer General Manager of the Lagos State Tourism Board and now Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission of Lagos State, spoke during a media launch on his book entitled: Tourism Destination Management: A Guide for Policy Makers and Destination Managers which will be launched on August 7 at the Glass House, Lagos Television (LTV), Ikeja.

The publication dwells on the techniques for developing tourism industry, particularly the science of developing and managing tourism destinations. The book promises to be interesting, informative and educative on how to discover and create tourism destinations.

It will also help and inform policy makers and destination managers to obtain as much information as possible to guide their decision-making process and allow them deeper knowledge on the subject matter. The book gives an insight into the roles of various stakeholders in the overall management of destination.

The author is of the opinion that tourism should be taken to the grassroots of states which should employ tourism officers to spot potential tourism hubs for exploit.

“Tourism is now a major engine of development that is contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Products of many nations. Ecotourism will decongest the cities and enhance the economic value of those in the rural areas,” he said.

Expected at the launching of the book is Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and state Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations Disun Holloway. The chief launcher will be the Managing Director of American Hospitals and Resorts, Lekki, Dr Richards Afonja, and the Director-General of the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Abuja, Dr Munzali Dantata, is expected to chair the occasion.

July 19, 2014
Managing tourism

Tourism is now a major engine of growth and development contributing significantly to Gross Domestic Product of many nations.

Arising from the Earth Summit in 1992 organised by World Commission on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, sustainability has become a major ingredient for development.

This book takes a cue from the publication of the World Tourism Organisation ( Indicators of Sustainable Development of Tourism Destination a Guidebook) to further help and inform Policy Makers and Destination Managers to obtain as much information as possible to guide their decision making process.

To further articulate and interpret the subject matter, a set of component issues are provided including its performance indicators and verification to allow deeper knowledge. Sustainable development of tourism is applicable to all forms of tourism without exception.

Tourism destination cannot exist without tourism product. Tourism products are the assets of the local community. They include complimentary attractions such as natural resources (beaches, waterfalls, mountains, ecosystems and landscapes) cultural and historical resources (festivals, historic sites, museums, local food) infrastructural facilities (roads, marinas, airport terminals) and support services ( tour operations, courier services, insurance, tourist information office etc).

These attractions are planned in an integrated manner with the community aspiration and their active participation. The planning also involves creating partnership with other stakeholders such as travel agents, the tour operators, the hotel owners, the transporters and owners of the heritage sites to mention but a few.

These attractions are planned in an integrated manner with the community aspiration and their active participation. The planning also involves creating partnership with other stakeholders such as the travel agents, the tour operators, the hotel owners, the transporters and owners of the heritage sites to mention but a few.

There should be fundamental principles of creating tourism products, its development guidelines, planning process and marketing strategy. Planners are encouraged to develop as many as what to see and what to do because tourism products are amalgamation of attractions, because the more of what to do and what to see; the more the visitors are attracted to the destination.

The author made reference to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and the United Nations Environmental Programme, which set out twelve aims towards achieving sustainable development through tourism.

From the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Human Development Report of 2003 reviewed in 2011 and 2013 respectively, it was reported that these aims are set to reduce poverty in the world. Already over 1.2 billion people are in extreme poverty level. More than two-third of them live in Asia, half of them are in South Asia while one fourth reside in Sub-Sahara Africa. The larger majority of the poor live in medium and large size countries. More than sixty percent of the event world’s poor reside in just five countries and other less developed nations live in hunger and malnutrition, lack access to good health, water, housing, education and basic skills.

The book tourism development is recommended to some of these countries as a means of combating poverty thereby reducing their poverty level and improving their quality of life.

The overall objective of the concluding part of the book is to identify specific policy areas for which policy implementation can be formulated to reduce poverty and improve the well-being of the people. The policy area articulated include conservation of physical integrity, visitor’s fulfilment, economic viability of tourism enterprises, its local prosperity, employment opportunities and the impact on the wellbeing of the local population.

Visitors appeals are the attractions of the destination which could be natural, cultural, historical and manmade. Maintenance and conservation of the attractions with respect to local circumstance are subject to policy formation. Government is encouraged to develop appropriate policies that will bring about deliberate actions towards sustainable development.

Sustainable development of tourism requires sound planning as well as protection and management of key elements such as destination assets, involvement of the local community and other stakeholders.

Where no plan exists in a locality, it becomes imperative to identify possible assets and collate data on all elements associated with tourism potentials and threats. Where a plan exists, then evaluate current tourism plan, issues and objectives to improve upon the existing system and initiate plans in consonance with sustainable development of tourism.

The chapter is designed to provide in-depth study on destination planning and development by throwing more lights on tourism and planning, destination elements and characteristics, types of planning approach, destination development and control including parties that make tourism work at a destination. Policy Makers and Destination Managers are encouraged to understand the planning process in tourism and what makes tourism work sustainably in a destination.

Who has the mandate to plan and manage tourism destination?, the author asks.

He went further in the publication to describe tourism as multi-sectorial and multi-discipline where no single entity (stakeholder) can lay absolute acknowledge to its management. It bore on the importance of destination managers to understand the policy behind sustainability.

The highlight of the success of the any destination is based on the following:

•Emphasis on poverty reduction and increase on the quality of life of the local residents;

•Protection of unique ecosystem, heritage sites and places of memory.

•Establishment of the role of private sector in the planning, financing, implementation and ownership of the tourism operations;

•Ensuring that the poor play active role in the supply of goods and services including management of destinations;

•Development of effective marketing and promotion strategies;

•Co-ordination of essential government services;

•Creating awareness among the stakeholders and the local community;

•Ensuring implementation of regulation and control throughout the destination area.

Tourism Destination Management; A Guide for Policy Makers and Destination Management gives an insight into the roles of various stakeholders and the Destination Management Organisation in the overall management of the destinations.

Tourism destination is a place where visitors spend atleast one night. It covers a geographical and administrative boundary where products and services are offered to the visitors.

Visitors in turn absorb complimentary and experiences, and share same with other (friends, families, colleagues and group). These complimentary and experiences are expectations. They could either be interesting or unpleasant. It is a place where several actors and stakeholders nest, network and offer their services. They are not limited to the following; public authorities, destination management organizations, transport operators, accommodation providers, heritage conservators, travel agent, tour operators, tour guide, financial institutions, other ancillaries and service providers including the host community.

Destinations vary depending on their assets and unique attractions. While issues affecting one destination may be similar to the other but several destinations are distinct in their attractiveness. This chapter is designed for tourism professionals and managers of destinations to understand and appreciate the complexity, flexibility, similarity and uniqueness of destinations.

It is certainly possible that issues affecting cultural heritage sites in the areas of protection and conservations are likely to have similar issues of ecosystem and biodiversity with beaches and coastal zones.

July 13, 2014
Tourism to improve South African economy

GROWTH in the tourism sector, with its substantial job creation spin-offs, could act as a partial antidote to the sluggishness of the economy, South Africa Tourism Minister, Derek Hanekom, says.

However, he warned that the hospitality sector’s positive effect could be undermined by South Africa’s new visa and immigration regulations.

Mr Hanekom told parliament’s tourism portfolio committee that the visa and immigration regulations issued six weeks ago by Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba could have a negative effect on the sector.

In terms of the new rules, people wishing to visit South Africa would only be able to apply for visas at the country’s foreign missions, which in the case of a large country like China would mean only in Shanghai and Beijing.

“It could potentially have a negative impact on tourism. We have to make it as easy as possible for person to come to our country,” said Mr Hanekom.

“We are dealing with a very, very competitive international environment and people have choices. At this stage where we are getting a good share, with close to 10-million arrivals annually.

“We can increase that share, but if we do the wrong thing that share can drop. We don’t want to slip backwards; we want to maintain it and we want to grow it.”

Mr Hanekom stressed that it was “critically important” to remove unnecessary bottlenecks and said discussions were taking place with the Department of Home Affairs.

Many significant role players, both local and foreign, had raised their concerns with Mr Hanekom and Mr Gigaba, pointing out that the new requirements would place quite onerous burdens on visa applications. This included the need for an unabridged birth certificate for children and the accessibility of South African missions.

Mr Hanekom emphasised the importance of improving the road network to key tourist attractions such as the Kruger National Park.

South African Tourism CEO Thulani Nzima said a key focus would be growing the domestic market, with the aim of increasing the number of domestic tourists to 18-million over the next five years. The agency had an “aggressive” strategy to grow the African market and planned to have five marketing offices in key African countries by 2020. There is an office in Nigeria.

July 12, 2014
Bantaba: Celebrating tourism with awards for promoters

WHILE Nigeria marks the centenary of her existence as single entity, the tourism industry also had cause to also look back at the last 100 years of tourism in the country and honour individuals who had made contributions to the development of the industry.

This happened towards the end of last month during the 2014 edition of Bantaba, Nigeria’s foremost speed dating event held annually in Abuja.

The CEO of the organizing company, Mr. Ikechi Uko, explained the tremendous growth of tourism in Nigeria and the reason for putting together the awards for top tourism personalities: “Since the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914, one of the pillars of integration and growth of the country was the transport system built initially on the back of the North –South rail network which now includes road, air, riverine and pipeline movement.

“The modern Nigeria is built on an integrated transport system that carries millions of people around the country which includes over 14 million air travellers through 22 official airports. Aviation was the last to join the rail, road and river travel in Nigeria .

“Today, Nigeria is one of the fastest growing hospitality hotspots in the world, and with a huge travelling public and aviation profile with its travel agents generating over $1.25b in a year. With transformation in progress, it is expected that the future of travel business in Nigeria is bright.

“It is against this backdrop that the organizers of Abuja Bantaba announced its plans to honour certain individuals as well as companies in the tourism and travel business in Nigeria in line with Nigeria’s celebration of her 100 years together as one entity. The centenary of Nigeria comes with different landmark celebrations and for the tourism sector and players, the stage is set to roll out drums not only to assess and celebrate achievements, but also to encourage icons whose efforts are indelible at bringing tourism promotion to the limelight.”

The Bantaba 2014 unveiled 100 personalities who had contributed to the industry in the last 100 years. The event began with the speed dating. It is to show the resilience of tourism that even in the cloud insecurity that has enveloped the Abuja after the first Nyanya bomb blast, travel companies from within and outside the country made it to the event. It was an opportunity for networking and brisk business.

It was after the speed dating that the award ceremony started. Among top recipients were the former Governor of Kano State, Police Commissioner Audu Bako, who put together some of the top tourism assets currently in Kano State like the Tiga Dam and many other tourism assets of the state.

Other recipients included the former aviation minister, Princess Stella Oduah. She was honoured as a Legend of Travel in Nigeria. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan was honoured as the Aviation Governor of the Year and Governor Liyel Imoke as Tourism Man of the Year. The New Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi, who was the Commissioner for Tourism in Akwa Ibom State was also honoured.

Governor Liyel Imoke, on coming to office, consolidated the profile of Cross River State as Nigeria’s only tourist destination. He improved the content of the annual Calabar Carnival and succeeded in moving the carnival to the next level.

He is currently building an international conference centre that would be conferencing to the already established leisure market.

Commenting, event organiser and publisher of ATQ magazine, Ikechi Uko, thanked stakeholders for joining hands to make the event, which he said was a patriotic gathering, to encourage and celebrate pioneers in the tourism industry a success.

Uko said: “We are here today for the centenary edition of Bantaba. I give credit to two airlines, South African Airways and Emirate Airline, because they felt there was a need for them to have offers for people in the Federal Capital Territory to ease travellers of pressure.”

Uko said this year’s Bantaba was different, commending governors of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Ekiti states and others who have continued to build a sustainable platform for tourism to thrive.

He acknowledged the private sector players who are major drivers of the industry, commending them for their contribution and investment to promote and sustain practical tourism in Nigeria.

“The tourism industry, which was initially pronounced as the preferred sector of the economy, has become an orphan struggling to survive.

“Tourism from records has played pivotal role in most economies of the world, and if it collapses, the economy suffers. Therefore, in our little way, we are recognising those forgotten pioneers who have given tourism a practical platform,” Uko said.

Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Etim Eyakenyi, said: “Tourism is the life wire of every economy, especially the transport, travels and the hospitality sector because without it, things would be difficult to thrive in any economy.

“In this regard, I will say tourism is not an orphan, but what is required of us is to face the promotion and development of tourism squarely.”

The minister commended Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr Godswill Akpabio, for putting platforms in place to promote tourism, thereby encouraging others.

Governor of Cross River State , Senator Imoke, who gave the audience a spice of the Carnival Calabar, said the tourism industry needed a strong Federal Government practical policy and structure to support the genuine commitment of state with good tourism initiative and brand destination.

While appreciating the effort of the organisers, Senator Imoke said Cross River State is in the forefront of making tourism the mainstay and driver of the state’s economy.

“Having travelled out of Nigeria and seen the way people troop out to countries that have less than one-third of our tourism potential, it baffled me, but I later found that their governments gave them a strong support in teams of policies, structures, marketing edge and promotion.

“However, we have what can make the world turn to Nigeria, if we get the same measure of attention nations that are enjoying tourism got from their governments,” he added.

May 17, 2014
Badagry monarch lauds tourism boss

THE Oba of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, Oba Babatunde Akran, has described the domestic tourism promotion agenda of the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, as an incontestable way to promote Nigeria’s tourism and boost the nation’s economy.

The monarch said: “Sally Mbanefo is hitting the nail on the head with the promotion of domestic tourism. This was what the government of Japan did some years ago with a law stopping Japanese from traveling out of the country for holidays. It paid off. It did not only endear Japanese to their country and the tourist attractions therein, but it also wooed foreigners to the country and developed their economy.”

Oba Akran spoke last Saturday during a courtesy visit by the NTDC boss to his palace.

“Domestic tourism remains the best approach to promote Nigeria’s tourism and better the lots of Nigeria and Nigerians. Hence, the NTDC boss should be well-mobilised and supported by every stakeholder in the industry to achieve her domestic tourism promotion cause, which in turn will boost our economy, hearten peace and unity, drastically reduce social vices and woo hosts of foreign tourists to our country,” he added.

The monarch, who described the NTDC boss’ visit as momentous, as the visit coincided with his 37th coronation anniversary, noted that Mbanefo is the first director-general of the NTDC to come to Badagry to appreciate the tourist sites in the town to champion their promotion.

Mrs Mbanefo, who congratulated the Akran of Badagry on his 37th peaceful reign and prayed for more fulfilling years for him, said tourism will enable Nigerians know the country, appreciate the many tourist attractions in the country, appreciate its various fascinating cultures, and attract foreigners to the country.

This, according to her, will have a positive reflection on the economy.

She described her visit to Badagry as part of her ongoing visit to the geo-political zones in the country to know the tourists’ sites in the states, “assess how to develop and promote them to encourage Nigerians and foreigner travel within Nigeria”. This, according to her, will immensely benefit the nation and her good people.

Mrs Mbanefo described Badagry as the first tourist site in Lagos. She added: “There is no way the history of Nigeria will be written without prominently mentioning Badagry, where Christianity was first preached in 1842 by Revd Thomas Birch Freeman, where the first Christmas was held in Nigeria, where the first church, the first primary school and the first storey building, just to mention a few, were located in Nigera.”

The Akran of Badagry while presenting a gift of coconut to the NTDC boss, prayed that God should give her Solomonic wisdom to achieve her lofty dream for the tourism subsector, which will make Nigeria stand tall in the comity of nations and enrich her people.

“Sally, you are a symbol of Nigeria tourism. It is, no doubt, with your strides since you assumed office that you meant business with the promotion of domestic tourism. Therefore, I pray that God will endowed you with the wisdom to practically develop and promote domestic tourism in Nigeria,” the monarch said.

The monarch also presented the NTDC boss with the Badagry Pilgrimage Certificate, which, according to him, is not given to every Tom, Dick and Harry, but patriots, who meant well for the nation and the town.

The Badagry Ambassador of Tourism and founder of African Renaissance, Hon. Olaide Mesewaku, described the appointment of Mrs Mbanefo as the NTDC director-general as a round peg in a round hole, adding that she is poised to record more successes than her predecessors.

April 30, 2014
Omu Resort: Redefining recreation and tourism

The face of tourism could be about to change in Lagos as a N270m resort is about to open for business along the Atlantic Ocean in Nigeria’s commercial capital. WALE AJETUNMOBI reports.

Apart from the scattered buildings and a throbbing market that dot its landscape, Omu community is a sleepy settlement in Bogije, a town in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.

With a single-straight road from Lekki-Epe Expressway through which the community can be accessed, Omu perhaps comes across as a community in doldrums. However, it is rich in rain forest, which serves as natural habitat for many wild animals and organisms. There is also a river that stretches from the community to the Atlantic Ocean.

The atmosphere of lifelessness in the community may, however, soon disappear with a recreational centre being developed in the town. Sited in the heart of the community, Omu Resort is a recreational and tourism business centre established by Woodfields Farm and Theme Park.

Two artificial giraffes welcomed visitors to the resort recently when spokesman of the company, Mr Olabisi Falase, conducted journalists round the facility, which sits on 22.4 Hectres of land. A few metres away from the main gate is an expansive receptionist office. Three classes of live snakes, including a young python, were on display at the reception.

To the west of the office is a well-designed miniature golf course and quad biking track for relaxation. There is also a trail for Karting. On the other side is a multi-purpose hall and sea-world museum.

Visitors are welcomed into the museum, which is yet to be completed, by statutes of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) with their trademark attires and attributes. The museum is fitted with a U-shape tunnel that showcases more than 40 different fish species peculiar to the Nigerian water.

Falase said there were about 380 fish species that could be found in Nigerian waters. “When the museum is completed, we will showcase all the species for Nigerians to see,” he said.

The fishes are placed into sizeable aquaria, which simulated their natural habitats. To make the excursion in the museum educative, facts about the fishes are inscribed beside the glass corrals. “Tourists don’t have to come and see alone, we also want to educate them about life and behaviour of all organisms on display here,” Falase said.

By the Omu River bank is a large zoo that distinctively houses animals such as lions, terrestrial and water crocodiles, baboons, tortoise, jackals, hyenas, monitor lizards, ostriches and geese, among others.

On what informed the choice of investment, Falase said the aim of the company was to educate the estimated 250,000 pupils that will be visiting the zoo annually about living organisms. He added that the resort also wanted to help in the conservation of endangered animals.

He said: “What we want to achieve with this resort is not only to be a recreational centre but also an educational centre. We discovered that a bamboo tree has about 57 uses; how many people know that we can get a towel from a bamboo? I also don’t know whether people know that there are 37 different types of oranges. You can imagine such little things about life and our existence. This is why we are going extra length to educate visitors to the resort.”

How much does the project cost? Falase said more than N270 million had been invested in the recreational project, saying the facility was “phase one” of the entire project. Sand filling of the site alone, he said, gulped N98 million, excluding the cost of land and construction work on the site. The company, Falase said, has concluded plan to extend the structure on the water front to make visitors’ experience worthwhile.

He said: “This project would change people’s thought, particularly Lagosians, about relaxation. Some of them go to pepper soup joints to unwind and leave their children at home. No value is added. But if they visit the Omu Resort to learn new things about animals and non-living things, some knowledge would have been impacted in addition to the relaxation they have come to do.”

April 23, 2014
Season of partnering for tourism

Barely 10 months after she was appointed as the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mrs Sally Mbanefo has literarily captured the diplomatic community and other key players in the sector for the development of domestic tourism. In line with her three-pronged approach to developing domestic tourism, she initiated series of collaborations that have witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with countries such as the Gambia, Venezuela, Germany, Mexico and Cuba among others. Also, agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Services, MTN, Nigerian Olympic Committee, Arik Airline, Heritage Bank, Nigeria-Turkish Chamber of Commerce, ABC Transport and VISA Reddinton are among the collaborators. Since assumption of office as DG of the corporation, Mbanefo has traversed more than 12 states in the country preaching the gospel of domestic tourism.

Interestingly, these initiatives have started yielding results as MTN Nigeria, the largest telecommunication firm in the country, has pledged to partner the corporation.

Last week in Abuja during a courtesy visit by representatives of MTN Nigeria, Mrs Mbanefo highlighted efforts at driving the domestic tourism to generate wealth and create employment for Nigerians.

The strategic imperatives, according to the NTDC boss include, rebuilding the NTDC, growing the tourism value chain and re-inventing Nigeria’s tourism.

She said these are designed is to grow the tourism value chain as a significant contribution to job creation, poverty reduction and revenues that seek to exploit the regulatory provision of the law establishing NTDC to grow revenues, partner with private and development finance sector, financiers and investors.

“The strategy is also expected to create funds to enhance the physical and information infrastructure supporting the tourism value chain, exploit image right, create commercially viable events and media properties around tourism sites and re-energise, market and defend ‘Brand Nigeria’ on traditional media, physical channels, brand touch-points and cyberspace to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

“We have signed MOU with over 10 companies such as Arik Airline, Heritage Bank, the Gambia, Nigeria-Turkish Chamber of Commerce, ABC Transport, VISA Reddinton amongst others in the country to grow the tourism value chain for Job creation and revenue generation,” she said.

Mrs Mbanefo urged the Nigerian Nollywood actors to choose any Nigerian site to shoot their movies as that would go a long way in projecting the good image of the country.

The MTN Senior Marketing Relations Corporate Service Division, Mr. Austin Iyashere, who was elated about the giant strides taken by the Mbanefo-led administration pledged to do all within his power to help the corporation in terms of collaboration for the benefit of the country.

“This partnership will not only be for the benefit of institutions such as NTDC but for the benefit of individuals who associate themselves with this corporation.”

“I am aware of what tourism can do for this country, in terms of wealth creation and revenue generation. I think with all these your programmes embarked on, you have opened the door for a change that will impact on the life of people generally,” he said.

He enjoined the corporation to package and present a programme to the marketing executive MTN Nigeria regarding the project they can do together and how the NTDC wants MTN to impact the society.

“This is a marketing thing. I need to put it like this, that you will need to package a presentation for marketing Executive MTN Nigeria and what I will do is to facilitate that meeting for you. I will engage the executive regarding the thing we can do together to impact the society,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the President of Nigeria Olympics Committee, Engineer Sani Ndanusa has called for partnership with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation to enhance sports tourism in the country.

Ndanusa, who made this call during a courtesy call on Mrs. Mbanefo in Abuja, said sports gatherings are of unifying force and avenues for interaction which can be used to promote tourism potentials of the country. He said the partnership between NOC and NTDC should be strengthened and sustained. “I want us to have a gallery, which can showcase our tourism in our stadia. This is a lot of potentials in sports tourism in which I want us to come together to invigorate and strengthen. There are a lot of tournaments like Youth Commonwealth Games coming up and we will give you the opportunity to key into them,” he disclosed.

Mrs Mbanefo expressed the readiness of the corporation to partner NOC towards promoting the country‘s tourism within and outside the country.

She commended NOC in its drive to unite sports and tourism potentials.

April 2, 2014
Bayelsa eyes agric, tourism to boost revenue

Its revenue has been going down in a scary manner in the last few months. Bayelsa State’s share of revenue from the Federation Account has dropped by between N4 billion and N5 billion monthly in recent time, prompting the urgent need to look inwards for alternative revenue sources. Cyril Akika, Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, confirmed that much when he said that fluctuations in oil price as well as dwindling allocation from the Federation Account has put tremendous pressure on the state’s fiscal system hence, the resolve to drive the development of its economy by growing the SME sector in collaboration with members of the private sector.

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson believes the way out of the quagmire is to diversify the economy. In the last two years, he said he has devoted attention to various policies and projects aimed at diversifying the economy of the state away from oil and gas. Consequently, the state government has made deliberate interventions in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector where it is grooming a new crop of entrepreneurs to drive post-oil Bayelsa State, including other revolutionary investments in agriculture, culture/tourism, entertainment, and infrastructure development such as building roads, airport, seaport, and industrial parks.

For instance, to underscore the shift towards the SME sector as one of the growth drivers and alternatives to oil & gas revenue, the state government, in collaboration with members of the organised private sector (OPS) is raising a N10 billion SMEs Development Trust Fund to encourage small and medium scale entrepreneurs. While the state government, according to the governor, would source for 40 per cent of the fund, members of the OPS would provide the remaining 60 per cent and also manage the fund. The Nation learnt that while the governor has supported the Trust Fund with an initial sum of N250 million, the Bayelsa State Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC) did same with the sum of N100 million. That was last year. Beneficiaries, especially land and property owners in the state with relevant Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), after presentation of their title documents, would have the opportunity to access the fund after thorough screening.

The BDIC is a privately run state enterprise set up in August 2012 with the mandate to, among others, promote the state’s public private partnership (PPP) initiative, which seeks to create the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive; act as holding company for all the state’s assets, manage them and bring in income and dividends to the state, as well as act as catalyst for social and economic development. Apart from the critical focus on tourism and agriculture, the BDIC is also focusing on areas of comparative advantage in oil and gas, marine and logistics. The BDIC is also donating the sum of N50 million to support the 20th International Conference on SMEs scheduled to hold in Yenagoa, the state capital, between March 28 and May 1.

To enlist the support of members of the OPS, Dickson, on March 9, led his commissioners to a pre-event luncheon with business stakeholders ahead of the 20th International Conference on SMEs. At the event, the governor called for the active participation of local and foreign investors in the economic development of the state, urging investors to take advantage of the numerous business and investment opportunities that abound in the State. He identified some of the areas of the state’s economy begging for private sector partnership with the state government to include agriculture, aqua-culture, tourism, waste management, housing and the construction of a new airport and deep seaport. The administration, as part of its sensitisation programmes, would organise a special road show within and outside the country on the deep seaport project located in Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the State.

Also, preliminary engineering works have been concluded for the construction of an airport. “We have started and we hope that in the next two years we should be able to deliver on the airport project. The area has been acquired, preliminary engineering works concluded. Bulldozers have been brought in,” the governor informed. When completed, the Bayelsa airport would create a direct link to Yenogoa, thus bringing to an end the about two kilometer drive by road from Port Harcourt Airport. “We are also working on setting up an industrial park within the vicinity of the airport,” he said, adding that the state government is also investing massively in infrastructure such as roads and bridges. “Before I came into office, it was taking us one hour from Yenogoa to Amazoma, the university community, which is almost where you are not just talking of a congenial, right investment climate, you are also talking about the presence of supporting infrastructure,” the governor said, with glee.

He further disclosed that the state is building a tourism development school, probably one of its kind in the country, “because we want to train tourism practitioners who would service that robust economy. He said the state is leveraging the tourism sector to diversify the base of the state’s economy beyond oil and gas, which is why month after month it sponsors major local and international events in collaboration with the private sector. “If you are interested in investing in the tourism sub-sector, Bayelsa is the place to be,” he declared, assuring that investors would get a C of O within 60 days for any piece of land acquired for any tourism related investment. “The reason is that we don’t have enough hotels in Bayelsa so, we are looking for people who would take advantage of that. About a month ago, I launched the automated title certification system; it is not just for people who may be interested in the tourism and hospitality industry, but also for any other kind of investment that you can think of,” he explained.

Another major plank of the state’s inward-looking strategy is agriculture. As the governor explained, Bayelsa State has a comparative advantage in agricultural long before the discovery of oil in commercial quantity. He recalled that the whole of the territory known as Bayelsa and its environs was originally known as the oil rivers protectorate, but because of crude oil but oil palm. He therefore, disclosed that the state government is poised to resuscitate palm oil production and several other derivatives along the entire value chain. “We shouldn’t just be focusing on producing primary products, we should be thinking of doing it down the entire value chain, which again presents several opportunities to investors,” he said, pointed out for instance, that the swampy nature of the state, “we have no business importing rice into this country when you have a place like Bayelsa. I want to see big time investors, people who would come and take over the massive farmlands that have been earmarked already for rice production.”

The need to boost human capital development is not lost on the state government, which is why there has been emphasis on manpower training. At present, the state government is sponsoring about 150 doctor of philosophy (Ph.d) and 400 Masters Degree students in various top-notch universities across the world, according to governor Dickson. Also, about 25 model secondary boarding schools have also been built across the state. “There is no state in this country that has made the type of investment we have made in education. We are making this kind of revolutionary investments because unless you have an educated population and workforce your society and the economy have no capacity to develop; we are absolutely going to have a combustible society, the type that can blow up anytime,” he explained.

Apparently buoyed by the structures so far put in place to unlock the enormous investment potentials in various sectors for the purpose of preparing Bayelsa for the post oil regime, the state government has set for itself the lofty ambition to become the ‘Dubai of Africa’ in terms of physical infrastructure and business opportunities. “We are already on the journey of becoming the new Dubai,” governor Dickson declared, noting that “this is why you see major international events holding in Bayelsa. In the past two years, Bayelsa has become the home of hospitality and tourism and entertainment capital of Nigeria and the entire continent.”

March 21, 2014
Kaduna’s untapped tourism potential

The Matsiriga Waterfall, which is about two kilometres off Kafanchan, has the potential to be a huge revenue earner for Kaduna State. The government, TONY AKOWE writes, will boost its revenue base if the waterfall is developed into a tourist site.

Residents of Kafanchan in Kaduna State believe that they are sitting on a goldmine. To them, the Matsiriga Waterfall is central to the economic and social development of the state, if the government recognises its tourism and revenue earning potential.

As one approaches the waterfall which is about one kilometre from Kafanchan, one perceives loud sound from the fall. One also perceives sparkling bubbles of water flowing from atop hard rock and hitting hard at its base to form a pool that flows down the slope.

Interestingly, the waterfall is not known to many of the residents, even though the village close to it is called Matsiriga. They are familiar with the name River Wonderful and speak glowingly about the mysteries surrounding it.

The Matsiriga Waterfall is listed on the Kaduna Website as one of the many tourist sites in the state.

Apart from a dilapidated and abandoned structure and a collapsed fence, there is nothing to suggest that such a place has the potential to yield millions of dollars annually for the state.

The residents believe that the waterfall, which can easily be spotted from the Kafanchan-Madakiya-Zonkwa-Kaduna Road, has some mysteries about it as it exudes natural powers in the manner it gushes, tumbles and drops 30 metres into a still and deep gorge.

The fresh cool breeze around the waterfall is soothing. Although the waterfall is eye-catching, it lacks the finesse to attract attention as a probable place for relaxation.

An abandoned structure which supposedly served as a resort’s security post and a faded signpost suggest that previous attempts had been made to develop the area. On the other side of the fall, Madakiya Heritage Resort is being developed by a private investor to serve as a relaxation centre.

Though no tourists or visitors were seen at the resort, some women were noticed scooping sand apparently for sale. Some youths were also seen fishing on the river.

In addition to the resort, plans by another private investor to build a five-star hotel close to it have reached advanced stage.

The residents said the waterfall sometimes produces rainbow colours and smoke. Luka Binniyat, a journalist, told our correspondent that there was nothing mysterious about the rainbow colours formed by the waterfall.

He said: “There are rainbow colours produced by the waterfall. But it is merely a reflection from the sun. When the sun passes above the water, it produces rainbow colours. But the local people believe there is some mystery surrounding the waterfall.”

Binniyat also said most visitors to Kafanchan insist on visiting the waterfall, but they always left disappointed because the place has not been developed into a proper tourist centre.

He said: “If properly developed, it will generate huge revenue for government and create employment opportunities.”

A community leader in Matsiriga, Yohana Yakubu said many of them are amazed at the wonders of the waterfall, pointing out that sometimes, if one decides to walk along the serene environment of the stream, one will be surprised to see white smoke coming out of the pool, adding that sometimes on Sundays, a rainbow would appear on the water and stretch up to the blue sky.

He said: “As the name indicates, the waterfall is truly wonderful. For years, mysterious things have happened around the waterfall which is beyond human understanding.

“For over 30 years I have lived here, no one has explained why these things happen. Sometimes the fall puffs up smoke, precisely at the entrance of the cave. The most intriguing mystery is that, on several occasions, mostly on Sundays, a rainbow would appear on the water and rise up to the sky. That is not all. There is something weird about the waterfall.

“From what I heard and witnessed, at least 10 people have died inside the river but none of them is a native.”

Yohana further said at the bottom of the rock, there is a 500-meter long cave while at the peak of the rainy season, the stream overflows and covers the cave. “The weather here is also different from what obtains in other towns and villages. Though the weather around Kafanchan, Kwoi and Kagoro is generally clement, it is usually cooler around the ‘river wonderful.’”

Another resident, Blessing Duniya said she is inspired by the serene nature of the environment, adding that sometimes, she takes time out, especially during break period to visit the waterfall and appreciate its beauty. “I just can’t stop marvelling at the great wonders of God,” she said.

Duniya regretted that despite its potential as huge revenue earner, government refuses to tap the abundant resources it boasts. She, however, expressed optimism that the place will be put to proper use in future.

She said: “The location of the waterfall is good, just by the roadside. But there is no access road to it and no form of beautification to make the place attractive to visitors who may want to enjoy its natural coolness and beauty.

“I would love to see people come here, feel its natural beauty and make it bubbly. Our lively towns have been ruined by ethno-religious crisis but I’m honestly hoping that, with natural endowments such as this, our towns will bounce back to life.”

Apart from Matsiriga Waterfall, there is Awatsung Waterfall located at Madakiya, a neighbouring town to Matsiriga. A resident, Dogara Yunana noted that people swim and fish on the Awatsung Waterfall during the dry season, even as students go for picnics at the Matsiriga Waterfall.

“In the rainy season, everybody engages in farming but once it’s October, fishing begins,” Yunana said.

Many residents are not happy that the tourism potential of the waterfalls has largely remained untapped. They said they could generate huge revenue for Kaduna State in particular and Nigeria in general.

Experts in tourism believe that utilising the potential in these tourists’ sites could solve the unemployment problem in the state, since tourism requires the services of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers.

The closeness of the Matsiriga Waterfall to Kagoro, venue of the popular annual Afam Festival, the Nok Cultural Centre and its easy accessibility by rail and road, makes it plausible tourist delight if developed.

According to experts, with its unique history and numerous annual cultural festivals, Southern Kaduna could be the ideal destination for lovers of eco-tourism, wildlife, cultural and heritage sites, religious rites, amusement, entertainment and leisure, adventure, outdoor and indoor sports tourism and meetings, among others.

A resident, Habila Kayit said: “When you talk about notable tourist attractions in Nigeria, West Africa and Africa at large, Southern Kaduna deserves more than a mention. This is because I’ve gone round some of the sites.

“In order to exploit the benefits of tourism in Southern Kaduna, there is need for adequate inventory of the available tourism potential/resources based on priorities. It is sad that the state and the local governments where such resources are deposited are either ignorant of the benefits that could be derived from developing those sites or are not willing to invest in them.

“Malaysia, Kenya, Dubai, South Africa, Israel and Saudi Arabia, among others, depend so much on tourism as their major source of revenue and have created a niche market for their tourism products.”

March 18, 2014