FTAN seeks more input to national tourism policy

 FTAN seeks more input to national tourism policy

Nov. 3, 2024

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has called for further contributions to the review of the National Policy on Tourism and Hospitality.

Mr Nkereuwem Onung, National President, FTAN, made the call on Saturday in Lagos at the Tourism and Hospitality Stakeholders’ validation of the 2024 Draft of the National Tourism Policy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the policy is being reviewed by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG).

Onung said there was a need for absolute inclusiveness in the review process before delving into the legislation process, as some associations within FTAN were not carried along.

He said this inclusive approach was necessary to gather diverse perspectives and expertise from stakeholders, ensuring a robust and effective policy that would drive Nigeria’s tourism growth.

“My commendation to those who put the draft review copy of the National Tourism Policy together is that it is a wise decision to review the policy because the old one is outdated.

“But we should be given the privilege to make input at FTAN, the umbrella body of the tourism and hospitality practitioners in Nigeria.

“I thank Mrs Lola Ade-John, former Minister of Tourism, for the job she tried to do in the tourism industry,” he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Muzali Dantata, Chairman, Board of Trustees, FTAN, said that collaboration was key to achieving a robust review of the tourism policy.

“Each state should be carried along as well,” he said.

Mr Ikechi Uko, Member, Board of Trustee, FTAN, suggested that every association within the tourism and hospitality sectors be given the draft copy of the reviewed policy to make their inputs.

Uko said these individuals should be given two weeks for that purpose.

He said after this process, some academia could be accessed to further review the policy.

“Whatever is done today must be owned by the industry to make the policy work and ensure it is properly implemented,” he said.

On his part, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General, Ekiti State Tourism Bureau, highlighted the need to have a functional legal framework for tourism.

“We need fundamental laws, that will sustain this industry,” he said.

Responding, Mrs Ngozi Ngoka, Thematic Lead, Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic Group, NESG, recalled that the National Tourism Policy was created in 1990 and last reviewed in 2005 to strategically enhance and sustain the sector.

Ngoka said that over 215 people were involved in the review process as they had been engaged for four years.

She said that notwithstanding, the NESG would go further to engage more stakeholders as advised.

“This is a significant step toward shaping the future of tourism in Nigeria. We are presenting this policy for validation so that the Federal Government can continue from there.

“But with the various interventions, we will look into what we can do to involve more hands,” she said.

Mrs Lola Ade-John, the former Minister of Tourism who began the review process, said the review was made possible with the Ministry’s collaboration with NESG.

Ade-John said: “We engaged stakeholders across every segment of the industry to craft a comprehensive tourism policy.

“With collaborative efforts, we were able to complete the exercise by the end of May and the draft policy was officially presented to me on Aug. 22.

“I am proud to say that this National Policy on Tourism and Hospitality, presented to you today, was meticulously crafted with input from various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and international experts.

“It is robust and reflects current trends in international best practices.

“It outlines strategic initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices, enhancing visitor experience, and ensuring the safety and security of our tourists.”