The Nation Newspaper

Tag: United Nations World Tourism Organisation

  • Nigeria partners UNWTO to implement tourism master plan Lai Mohammed

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said his ministry is partnering the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in the implementation of the National Tourism Development master plan in order to optimally harness the country’s tourism potential.

    The minister disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday when he declared open the Fourth Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition organized by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).

    “Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to draw your attention to the fact that the programmes and policies to fully harness the country’s vast tourism potential over the next one and half decades are anchored on the National Tourism Development Master Plan. In order to ensure its full implementation, the ministry sought and secured the support of the UNWTO to assist in the implementation of the Tourism Master Plan,” he said.

    The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Deaconess Grace Isu-Gekpe, said pursuant to the implementation of the master plan, the UNWTO is already seeking the support of some donor agencies to assist Nigeria with funds for the execution of the project on the Strengthening of National Tourism Statistical System and the development of a Tourism Satellite Account for Nigeria.

    He said this became necessary because lack of accurate statistics on arrivals and receipts is one of the major problems militating against the development of tourism in Nigeria.

    Alhaji Mohammed said the Ministry of Information and Culture will soon inaugurate a National Consultative Forum that will review the recommendations of the UNWTO Post Technical Mission Project Document, with membership of the Forum drawn from all critical stakeholders in the Tourism Sector, including FTAN.

    He said the private sector is critical to the development of tourism in the country, hence the government’s decision to build an enduring framework for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to provide the required confidence for prospective investors.

    The minister said the government has fashioned out tourism investment incentives such as tax exemption for up to three years, export/import incentives, land at concessionary rate and work permit to foreigners with specialized skills in order to attract private sector investment.

  • The world to mark Tourism Day Lagos unveils master plan

    NIGERIA will  join the world on Thursday, September 27 to celebrate the World Tourism Day (WTD).  The WTD is a day set aside by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to focus on tourism and its impact on the world.

    In Nigeria, many states have lined up activities to mark the day. The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is expected to organize activities to mark the day.

    In  Lagos State, the Ministry Tourism, Arts and Culture is expected to unveil the ambitious Lagos State Tourism Master-plan on that day.

    Speaking on the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, the Preisdent of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Alhaji Karim Rabo, said the theme for this year’s WTD is timely. He said: “I think the theme is coming at the right time. In the world today, technology has taken over and tourism has to key into it to make progress.

    “Technology directs everything we do and if you are not compliant technologically, you cannot function effectively in the travel industry. So, there is the need to for stakeholders in the tourism industry to key into it and embrace technological solutions for travel. Nigeria is part of the global village and we must not be left behind.”

    Asked whether Nigeria is at par with the rest of the in the use of technology for travel business, Rabo said: “We are not yet there, but we are making progress. If we don’t key in fully, we will be left behind.”

    Meanwhile, the UNWTO, in its statement on the World Tourism Day, said the importance of digital technologies in tourism, providing opportunities for innovation and preparing the sector for the future of work, is at the centre of World Tourism Day 2018 to be celebrated in Budapest, Hungary  on September 27.

    It said this year’s World Tourism Day (WTD) will help to put the opportunities provided to tourism, by technological advances including big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, on the map of sustainable development. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) sees digital advances and innovation as part of the solution to the challenge of marrying continued growth with a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector.

    “Harnessing innovation and digital advances provide tourism with opportunities to improve inclusiveness, local community empowerment and efficient resource management, amongst other objectives within the wider sustainable development agenda”, said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

    The WTD official celebration will be held in Budapest, Hungary, a country enjoying steady growth of tourism backed by consistent policy support and a commitment to the digital future. Other celebrations will take place worldwide.

    The official celebration will also see the announcement of the semi-finalists of the 1st UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition, launched by UNWTO and Globalia to give visibility to startups with innovative ideas capable of revolutionizing the way we travel and enjoy tourism.

    Also speaking on the the 2018 WTD, former permanent secretary, Lagos State ministry of tourism, Mr. Ashamu Fadipe, said  the impact of  digital technology in travel and tourism  is worth celebrating. He said: “Nobody can book for an airline today without digital technology. As a result of that, it has become relevant and it is important to celebrate it.  Digital technology has had a very crucial impact in travel and tourism industry and it has been part of the industry for decade, so it should be celebrated.

    “Also by celebrating digital technology in this year’s world tourism day, we  create the necessary awareness about digital technology that has had tremendous impact on the industry. If we go to the more advanced country, it is not just the airlines that use digital technology.

    “Booking for train journey is done using digital technology, booking for tour packages is also done through digital technology. I think it is a welcome development that the UNWTO is using this year’s WTD to focus on this aspect of travel and tourism. A new World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) report aims to help manage growing urban tourism flows and their impact on cities and residents titled  ‘Overtourism’? Understanding and managing urban tourism growth beyond perceptions’, was launched during the 7th UNWTO Global Summit on Urban Tourism, in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

    The report examines how to manage tourism in urban destinations for the benefit of visitors and residents alike. It proposes eleven strategies and 68 measures to help understand and manage visitor growth. The report is the result of collaboration between UNWTO, the Centre of Expertise Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality (CELTH), Breda University of Applied Sciences and the European Tourism Futures Institute (ETFI) of NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.

    The recent growth of urban tourism requires the sector to ensure sustainable policies and practices that minimize adverse effects of tourism on the use of natural resources, infrastructure, mobility and congestion, as well as its socio-cultural impact. Increased reports of negative attitudes among local populations towards visitors, due to perceived overcrowding, noise and other issues, have led to the spread of terms such as ‘overtourism’ and ‘tourismphobia’ in the media.

    “Governance is key. Addressing the challenges facing urban tourism today is a much more complex issue than is commonly recognized. We need to set a sustainable roadmap for urban tourism and place tourism in the wider urban agenda,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “We must also ensure local communities see and benefit from the positive aspects of tourism”, he added.

    To better understand visitor management challenges in urban contexts, particularly the relationship between residents and visitors, the report includes an analysis of residents’ perceptions towards tourism in eight European cities – Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Munich, Salzburg and Tallinn.

    “There is no one-size-fits-all solution to deal with overtourism. Instead tourism needs to be part of a city-wide strategy for sustainable development”, Dr. Ko Koens of the Centre of Expertise Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality (CELTH) and Breda University of Applied Sciences concludes. The report recommends a common strategic vision among all stakeholders involved, bringing residents and visitors together and adopting careful planning which respects the limits of capacity of each destination.

    “The involvement and support of local residents are key in achieving sustainable tourism”, Professor Albert Postma of CELTH and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences explains.

  • The world to mark Tourism Day

    Lagos unveils master plan

    Nigeria will  join the world on Thursday, September 27 to celebrate the World Tourism Day (WTD).  The WTD is a day set aside by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to focus on tourism and its impact on the world.

    In Nigeria, many states have lined up activities to mark the day. The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is expected to organize activities to mark the day.

    In  Lagos State, the Ministry Tourism, Arts and Culture is expected to unveil the ambitious Lagos State Tourism Master-plan on that day.

    Speaking on the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, the Preisdent of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Alhaji Karim Rabo, said the theme for this year’s WTD is timely. He said: “I think the theme is coming at the right time. In the world today, technology has taken over and tourism has to key into it to make progress.

    “Technology directs everything we do and if you are not compliant technologically, you cannot function effectively in the travel industry. So, there is the need to for stakeholders in the tourism industry to key into it and embrace technological solutions for travel. Nigeria is part of the global village and we must not be left behind.”

    Asked whether Nigeria is at par with the rest of the in the use of technology for travel business, Rabo said: “We are not yet there, but we are making progress. If we don’t key in fully, we will be left behind.”

    Meanwhile, the UNWTO, in its statement on the World Tourism Day, said the importance of digital technologies in tourism, providing opportunities for innovation and preparing the sector for the future of work, is at the centre of World Tourism Day 2018 to be celebrated in Budapest, Hungary  on September 27.

    It said this year’s World Tourism Day (WTD) will help to put the opportunities provided to tourism, by technological advances including big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, on the map of sustainable development. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) sees digital advances and innovation as part of the solution to the challenge of marrying continued growth with a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector.

    “Harnessing innovation and digital advances provide tourism with opportunities to improve inclusiveness, local community empowerment and efficient resource management, amongst other objectives within the wider sustainable development agenda”, said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

    The WTD official celebration will be held in Budapest, Hungary, a country enjoying steady growth of tourism backed by consistent policy support and a commitment to the digital future. Other celebrations will take place worldwide.

    The official celebration will also see the announcement of the semi-finalists of the 1st UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition, launched by UNWTO and Globalia to give visibility to startups with innovative ideas capable of revolutionizing the way we travel and enjoy tourism.

    Also speaking on the the 2018 WTD, former permanent secretary, Lagos State ministry of tourism, Mr. Ashamu Fadipe, said  the impact of  digital technology in travel and tourism  is worth celebrating. He said: “Nobody can book for an airline today without digital technology. As a result of that, it has become relevant and it is important to celebrate it.  Digital technology has had a very crucial impact in travel and tourism industry and it has been part of the industry for decade, so it should be celebrated.

    “Also by celebrating digital technology in this year’s world tourism day, we  create the necessary awareness about digital technology that has had tremendous impact on the industry. If we go to the more advanced country, it is not just the airlines that use digital technology.

    “Booking for train journey is done using digital technology, booking for tour packages is also done through digital technology. I think it is a welcome development that the UNWTO is using this year’s WTD to focus on this aspect of travel and tourism.

  • Minister inaugurates committee for UNWTO/CAF meeting

    Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has inaugurated the planning committee for the 61st Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation/CAF taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, from June 4th-6th, 2018.

    The Minister, who performed the ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, charged members of the committee to ensure the success of the event.

    “Today’s inauguration kick-starts our preparation for the hosting of the (UNWTO/CAF Meeting). The task ahead of us is enormous, but with the quality membership of the Planning Committee, we are up to the task and we will host a successful event,’’ he said.

    “You have been selected based on your knowledge and expertise in content, logistics and planning. Your role is to execute a successful event with professional inputs and assistance from the Ministry and the UNWTO. I have no doubt that you will take your assignments very seriously,” Alhaji Mohammed said.

    The Minister said the hosting right of the event, which was given to Nigeria, has clearly demonstrated the confidence of the CAF member states and the UNWTO in the country.

    He said the highlight of Nigeria’s relevance and acceptance by the Organization, within two years of its return after a period of absence, was further shown in his election as a Vice Chairman of the UNWTO General Assembly at an election held during the 22nd session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu, China, in September 2017.

    Alhaji Mohammed said the UNWTO meeting will afford the country the unique opportunity to project its image as a safe and desirable destination for leisure and business as well as promote the country’s tourism products and services.

    He said the meeting will also provide a platform for tourism stakeholders to interact with their counterparts from other countries, generate foreign exchange through accommodation in hotels, airfares and souvenirs purchased by foreign delegates, create direct and indirect employment, thereby alleviating poverty, and provide the platform for the training for public and private sector tourism officials.

    Membership of the planning committee cuts across the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Capital Territory, extra-ministerial departments and agencies as well as the private sector.

  • FG to host 2018 African Tourism Ministers conference

    FG to host 2018 African Tourism Ministers conference

    The Federal Government said it would partner with the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria ( FTAN ) and other stakeholders in hosting of the African Tourism Ministers in June 2018.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja, when a delegation of FTAN led by its National Chairman, Alhaji Kareem Rabo paid him a courtesy call.

    Nigeria, at the 22nd United Nations World Tourism Organisation ( UNWTO ) General Assembly held in September in Chengdu, China, won the right to host the Conference of UNWTO Commission for Africa in Abuja.

    Mohammed said FTAN, a statutory umbrella body of every association involved with tourism was crucial to successful hosting of the conference.

    He said from its membership ranging from tour operators, airlines owners, car hire operators, and hotel owners as well as other professional bodies in the sector, FTAN remained a major stakeholder in tourism industry.

    Read also: Argungu Fishing Festival: FG,  tourism stakeholders to partner Kebbi State

    “There is no way we can organise the conference without FTAN being co-opted in either the general purpose committee or the sub-committee.

    “You will be very much involved because it is FTAN that will provide services at the airports, the hotels and as guides of the visitors.

    “The impression that our visitors will have about Nigeria will depend on the effectiveness and competence of the various associations under FTAN.

    “Therefore, you should be rest assured that we are going to carry you along,’’ he said.

    Also responding to the request by FTAN for its members to be appointed on the board of Tourism Parastatal Agencies, the minister said the enabling Acts of some of the government establishments already catered for it.

    The minister said the government efforts at resuscitating the Presidential Council on Tourism was on-going and it would be made a priority of the ministry in 2018.

    Mohammed reiterated his commitment to the culture and tourism portfolio of his ministry.

    Earlier, Rabo had underscored the importance of the private sector to the development of the industry and the need for government to partner with the association in its activities.

    He said FTAN was ready to synergise with the ministry in realising the 2017 Declaration as Year of Sustainable Tourism Development spanning till 2030.

    Rabo also congratulated the minister on his recent election as the UNWTO Vice President for Africa and urged him to use the position to grow the industry.

    NAN

  • Argungu Fishing Festival: FG, tourism stakeholders to partner Kebbi State

    Argungu Fishing Festival: FG, tourism stakeholders to partner Kebbi State

    Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria ( FTAN ) says it will partner with the Kebbi State Government to revamp the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.

    Mr Nura Sani Kangiwa, the Vice President of FTAN ( North West Zone ), made this known in an interview in Abuja on Monday.

    Kangiwa said that this was part of the decisions reached at the 9th National Council on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation conference held in Dutse, Jigawa State recently.

    The National Council on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation is an annual gathering aimed at bringing together stakeholders to discuss ways the sector can contribute effectively to improve the country’s Gross Domestic Products ( GDP ).

    Kangiwa said that part of the decisions reached at the meeting was the revamping of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as it was set to make a big comeback.

    “Based on the resolution recently reached by the National Council on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, it was agreed that the Federal Government and all tourism stakeholders will partake in the revamping of the festival.

    “So, all tourism stakeholders are going to partner with the Kebbi State Government to ensure that the festival, which has been comatose for some years is revived in order to promote our country as a tourism destination,” he said.

    He said that the Federal Government in its effort to diversify the economy had recognised the creative industry, which  culture and tourism were integral part aimed at creating jobs and improve foreign exchange earnings.

    Read also: Argungu Festival shines at UNESCO’s session

    “This was reflected in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 to 2020.

    “Cultural Tourism is a source of revenue generation. As an “invisible export” it creates a flow of foreign currency into the economy of a nation.

    “The Culture and Tourism Sector is gaining more recognition and visibility and evolving economic activities capable of reducing extreme poverty, creating jobs and generating revenues for national growth and development.

    “Therefore, in line with the mission of the current political dispensation for diversification of economic activities, revamping the Argungu International Fishing Festival will no doubt satisfy the yearnings of our people,” he said.

    Kangiwa, who is `Turakin Kebbi’ described the Argungu International Fishng and Cultural Festival as “second to none in Africa’’.

    “It has been a beehive of activities for fun seeking tourists for decades. It is a cornucopia of cultural heritage and it astonished the world in both authenticity and variety of contents.

    “It is a festival that is already a tourism product that is acclaimed worldwide; no doubt UNESCO inscribed it in its prestigious list of Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity.

    “A study from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) reveals that 80 per cent of international tourists visit destinations on the world heritage list.

    “This no doubt gave Kebbi honour, dignity and pride,” he said.

    The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival is expected to hold in March 2018.

    The four-day yearly festival held in Kebbi is one of Nigeria’s internationally recognised tourism attractions.

    The festival has not been held since the last edition in 2009 largely due to the security situation the country has been faced with and this had posed a huge revenue loss to the local economy and the country.

    On the issue of security, Kangiwa said Kebbi State was undoubtedly the safest state in the country in spite of its diverse religious and ethnic groups, adding that the level of youth restiveness and religious crisis remained the lowest.

    NAN