Tour operators urge upgrade of infrastructure to boost sector
Tourism
By Martha Agas
Jos, April 9, 2018 (NAN) The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), has urged the Federal Government to upgrade tourism infrastructure and approve a feasible tourism master plan to promote the sector.
Mr Nkereuwem Onung, the President of NATOP, made the plea during the association’s 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Monday in Jos.
He said that the upgrade of tourism facilities would shore up the number of tourists visiting tourist sites which would increase economic activities and revenue.
“We need a master plan to help in strategic planning for tourism development. The previous plans have since been abandoned.
“We also need an operational national carrier to move the industry forward. Many countries that made rapid progress in tourism development, had operational carriers.
“The South African Airlines, the Ethiopian and Kenyan Airlines and many more, have attracted more visitors into the countries. Air travel is an accelerator of tourism development,” he pointed out.
The NATOP boss urged government to initiate a more friendly visa policy to attract visitors to the country, saying that the association had trained its members to guide tourists and support travel agencies.
Onung said that the association was promoting the right framework, policies and infrastructure for the tourism business, and appealed to stakeholders to partner with the body toward quality service delivery.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tamwakat Weli, the Plateau Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, said that Plateau was endowed with many tourist sites like Wase Rock, Kurra falls, the Jos Wild life Park among others.
“We organised a guided tour to Ampidong Crater Lake and had the maiden Mini-Polo tournament, Culinary festival, the children fiesta and street parade line-up to promote Plateau’s potential as a hub of tourism,” she said.
In his remarks, Gov. Simon Lalong said that security and peace were paramount in tourism development.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, said that the theme of the AGM – “Security Challenges and Promotion of Tourism in Nigeria” – was “apt and timely”.
He said that the state government was promoting tourism through its efforts to restore peace as well as the massive investment on road construction. (NAN)
MAA/AJA/ETS
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Edited by Ephraims Sheyin