Culture

Miss Tourism tasks hoteliers on marketing Nigerian historical sites

Published

1 year ago

September 7, 2023

Miss Tourism Nigeria, Joy Ekekwe, on Tuesday urged hoteliers to participate in marketing Nigerian historical and tourism sites.

The 26-year-old financial consultant made the call during the 19th AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism Market, held in Lagos from Sept. 3 to Sept. 5.
Ekekwe said that marketing historical sites should not solely be left to tour operators, noting that every practitioner in the tourism and hospitality industries must be involved in it.
She said this was the only way hoteliers could add value to other value chains within the tourism industry.

She also explained that this would place Nigeria on the global map of tourism as nations begin to realise the ennormous tourism potential that Nigeria is endowed with.
“Nigerian hoteliers need to be patriotic to an extent that they intentionally market historical and tourism sites across the nation.
“Lodging in an hotel should go beyond m

ere relaxation, visitors to hotels can be encouraged to visit some historical sites, which would help boost patronage to those sites and improve the growth of inbound tourism,” she said.
Ekekwe advised Nigerians to always take pride in everything that stands as their identity, in terms of language, dance, culture, music and all.

She said Nigerians must also begin to appreciate the tourism potential the nation is endowed which include waterfalls, monoliths, crafts, caves, game reserves, among others.
She noted that it was high time Nigerians begin to see these endowments as rare treasure and deliberately market them to woo both local and international tourists.
Earlier, Bayo Adedeji, Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow Group, advised practitioners in the tourism industry to engage technology in their operations.

Adedeji noted that technology is important to selling tourism across the globe.
“Without maximising the potential in technology, operating tourism business could be chaotic, technology enhances the business of travels and tourism.
“Government has supported us enough, we need to engage technology in all we do to perform optimally,” he said.

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Culture

Ekiti State tourism development praised by Jamaica’s minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett

Published

1 day ago

September 11, 2024

Lanre

Ekiti State tourism development receives commendation from Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, for its economic and cultural potential.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, recognised globally for his tourism leadership, has praised the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) for launching its state chapter in Ekiti State.

He acknowledged the state government’s unwavering commitment to promoting Ekiti State tourism development.

Also read: Tourism Advocates Honour Bonu, Hints On Destination Lagos Awards

Bartlett, also the Chairman of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre at the University of West Indies, noted that fostering tourism in Ekiti could help overcome geographical challenges by creating jobs and boosting economic growth.

The state’s unique cultural heritage and natural attractions have the potential to draw visitors both nationally and internationally, and improving tourism infrastructure could further unlock its economic possibilities.

He emphasised that tourism provides a platform for showcasing local talents, products, and services to a global market, which would benefit both residents and visitors.

By investing in tourism, Ekiti can position itself as a model of sustainable development and become a premier tourist destination.

Bartlett concluded by stating that through a collective focus on Ekiti State tourism development, opportunities to generate employment and improve citizens’ lives can be maximised.

He reiterated that Ekiti State has the potential to be a leading destination for tourism in Nigeria and beyond.

Culture

NANTA partners with Eko hotel to promote Nigerian cultural tourism

Published

1 day ago

September 11, 2024

Lanre

NANTA and Eko Hotel partnership for cultural tourism

NANTA and Eko Hotel have signed a marketing contract to promote Nigeria’s cultural tourism, focusing on the Theatre of Lights Xtmas holiday offering.

In a landmark development, the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has signed a lucrative marketing contract with Eko Hotel, one of Nigeria’s premier luxury hospitality brands.

This partnership, announced in Lagos, aims to upscale Eko Hotel’s cultural tourism experience, with a particular focus on its signature “Theatre of Lights” event during the Christmas season.

The cultural carnival event, themed “Cultural Carnival Offerings,” will feature a blend of musical theatres, circus performances, magical shows, grand carnival processions, and more.

Also read: Eko Hotels & Suites to boost local tourism with Tropical Christmas Wonderland

Over the past three years, Eko Hotel’s African Xtmas Santa experience has attracted thousands of visitors, growing from 350 attendees to 4,000 guests.

NANTA President, Mr Yinka Folami, expressed confidence that the association’s marketing reach would elevate the event further.

He emphasised that cultural tourism can provide Nigeria with a much-needed economic boost. He also announced plans to showcase the Eko Hotel Theatre of Lights at the World Travel Market in London.

Eko Hotel’s General Manager, Ghassan Fadoul, highlighted the importance of cultural tourism, noting that NANTA and Eko Hotel’s collaboration would help market Nigeria as a prime destination.

The hotel’s Sales Manager, Iyadunni Gbadebo, shared ambitions to break the trend of Nigerians seeking leisure holidays abroad, promoting Nigeria’s own unique cultural heritage instead.

The partnership marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s cultural tourism industry, with NANTA committed to promoting the Xtmas Theatre of Lights globally.

Culture

Nigeria’s Tourism Sector Could Rival Oil Revenue, Says Minister

Published

1 week ago

September 5, 2024

Lanre

Nigeria’s Tourism Infrastructure Challenges

Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John, highlighted the tourism sector’s potential to generate significant revenue and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil during a recent webinar.

Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John, has revealed that the tourism sector has the potential to generate substantial revenue and serve as a viable alternative to the country’s reliance on the oil sector.

Speaking at a webinar organised by the Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic Group (THITG) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), ahead of the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, she stressed that if properly harnessed, tourism could contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.

Also read: ATLF 2024: Empowering African tourism, unleashing opportunities

With the theme *”Domestic Tourism: A Powerful Tool for Rural Revitalisation and Economic Growth in Nigeria”*, the webinar focused on the untapped opportunities within Nigeria’s tourism sector.

Ade John highlighted that in 2022, tourism contributed N17.3 billion to Nigeria’s GDP, far less than the 7.5% contribution seen in countries like France.

She emphasised the need to develop domestic tourism to revitalise rural communities, create jobs, and generate revenue.

Nigeria boasts 1,091 tourist sites across 356 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including prominent sites like Obudu, Ogbunike, Osun-Osogbo Grove, Kajuru Castle, and Yankari Game Reserve, which are improving in terms of architecture, wildlife conservation, and ecotourism.

The tourism sector currently supports 1.9 million jobs, and Ade John urged further investment to unlock its full potential.