NAN-ELS-3
Partnership
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, May 12, 2017 (NAN) The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has expressed its willingness to partner with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) to boost revenue in the tourism sector.
Chief Tomi Akingbogun, the FTAN president who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja said such partnership would also develop and improve the tourism sites across the country.
He expressed optimism on the new leadership at the NTDC, adding that FTAN had indicated interest in taking over the management of some tourist sites in the Federal Capital.
“We have indicated interest in the past to partnership with the government to take concession of Abuja Children Zoo, Jabi Lake and other sites in the Federal Capital, but keep meeting brick walls.
“However, I believe in the ability of the new administration of the NTDC to transform the country’s tourism and take it to an enviable level.
“We are ready and set to partner with the corporation to achieve the concession so that we can develop and boost some of the sites in the country.
“When we achieve this, I believe Nigeria would be the destination of millions of tourists from across the world; this will mean more revenue to the government and improve financial strength of our currency,” Akingbogun said.
He also called on the Ministry of Information and Culture to wake up to its responsibility in ensuring the harmonisation of cultural festivals across the country to attract more tourists.
He said it was regrettable that most notable cultural festivals across the country like the Argungu Fishing Festival and others were now moribund and there was no visible effort to resuscitate them.
According to him, culture and tourism are the fundamental ingredients to facilitate the diversification of the country’s economy.
On multiple taxation by government on hospitality industry, Akingbogun called for harmonisation of the over 30 different levies and taxes for hotels in the Federal Capital.
According to him, multiple taxation should also be address to allow the hospitality industry provide quality services.
“Hotels are being bombarded with multiple taxation; the authorities should find a way of harmonising the process.
“Electricity bills are always on the increase; and so many other bills are there for hotel owners to pay; how can they can cope?” he asked.
Akingbogun reiterated the need for government to cooperate more with the private sector to boost tourism. (NAN)
CMY/ESAN/EAL
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Edited by Abiodun Esan/Ekemini Ladejobi