Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has pledged its support for the new law establishing Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).
The new Act replaced the controversial Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).
The Association led by its President Mr. Nkereuwem Onung during a visit to the Agency at its headquarters in Abuja on Friday 16th June, 2023, called for cooperation with NTDA towards seamless implementation of the new law.
The President in his opening speech said FTAN had on signing of the law set up a committee which reviewed the law noting the conflicts, cooperation, collaboration and partnership therein. On conviction that the benefits of the new law in ensuring uniform Tourism Policy in the country far outweighs conflicts that may arise therein sued for greater Public Private Partnership in implementation of the law.
Welcoming the Association, the Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority Chief Folorunsho Coker said the Agency will be working with the private sector on the “best from the law until we get a better one”.
He also said that with the prevailing peace between government and private sector, the Association should focus on what suits it in the new law stressing that we can only succeed in a “spirit of cooperation”.
COMMUNIQUE
The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting are as follows:
1, FTAN and NTDA are to cooperate, collaborate and partner in forging the way forward for Tourism in Nigeria governed by the new law. Also more consultations and collaboration guaranteed going forward.
2, Need for greater Public Private Participation in the implementation of the Tourism Policies in Nigeria.
3, Role of the Commissioners of Tourism in the States to be incorporated through engagements with them.
4, Stakeholders meeting to be organized for the purpose of implementation of the new law.
5, FTAN to ensure MDAs within the Tourism Sector stick to their mandates to grow Tourism.
6, It is difficult for any state to run Tourism independent of the Federal government.
7, Presently, revenue accruing to the country from Tourism via taxes are not yet accessible to the industry practitioners and this will be corrected by the new law.
8, The need for FTAN to speak with one voice.
9, FTAN to adopt technology in Tourism.
10, NTDA will be willing and ready to champion FTAN issues.
