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Tourism Stakeholders to Access #5Billion, Say’s Sterling Bank

Tourism Stakeholders

Domestic tourism in Nigeria is on the verge of taking a leap. Investors and stakeholders who convened at a web conference organised by Goge Africa have indicated interests in developing the numerous tourism potentials of the country.

Titled “Cross-Sectoral Collaboration for Tourism and Economic Development”, the founders of Goge Africa, Ambassadors Isaac and Nneka Moses called on all stakeholders to work towards the development of domestic tourism. Citing the trend of engaging Nollywood faces in the promotion of other destinations, she charged Nollywood stars, Nigerian media and stakeholders to get involved in the promotion of Nigeria’s tourism assets.

Leading the charge for a public-private partnership aimed at the development of local tourism, Alhaji Saleh Rabo – President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), in his presentation, advocated for a close-knit collaboration between the private sector players and the government. He said an enabling environment for tourism to thrive requires: government policies, enhanced security, and prioritization of domestic tourism.

Contributing to the call, Sterling Bank – represented by the Divisional Head, Retail and Consumer Banking, Shina Atitola – revealed that the bank management has set aside #5billion Naira for the development of Nigeria’s tourism. He further suggested that achieving the aim of positioning Nigeria as a viable destination would require extensive branding/communication management, utilization of the digital space, and concerted collaborative efforts by stakeholders.

Also speaking at the conference, Alexander Nwuba – President, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria – pointed out that there are many opportunities for investment and development of domestic tourism. Corroborating his argument with statistics, he downplayed the concerns of security in Nigeria. Stating that, Nigeria is comparatively safer than the U.S., France, Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt; where kidnappings, theft, and robberies are higher. He advised potential investors in tourism to consider investing in air transport, which according to him cost a minimum of #5 million which could purchase a tokunbo (used) vehicle.

MTN Nigeria, the Telecom giant that has been at the forefront of the development and promotion of community festivals in Nigeria since 2010, was ably represented by the Chief Sales and Distribution Officer, Mr. Adekunle Adebiyi. In his presentation, he reiterated the need for Corporate partnerships to develop and boost tourism in Nigeria. He also expatiated on MTN’s continued willingness to partner with stakeholders for economic growth.

Responding to the calls for the development of Nigeria through tourism, Nigerians in the Diaspora, were represented by Arc Raphael Eluemuno Ajalie (Co-Founder, Reocomm Group/Foundation) and Monica Grant (CEO, Young Boss Media). In their presentations, they revealed that the Diaspora community intends to invest in strategic areas of the tourism sector. He called for the involvement of more women in the tourism space. He hinted at utilizing their expansive network in the media through, Young Boss Media USA, to project Nigeria’s image around the world.

With the implementation of these initiatives, spearheaded by Goge Africa, the development of Nigeria’s domestic tourism is underway.
Towards the end of the conference, Sterling Bank suggested that a committee be set up spearheaded by Goge Africa to drive the implementation of the private sector-led initiative in the development of domestic tourism for economic growth.

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To follow-up on this, join us on Thursday 30, July 2020
for:
Series 02: Cross-Sectoral Collaboration for Tourism and Economic Development

Speakers and Panelists include:

Dr. R. Toby Bailey, CEO at Borg Investment Bank, USA – www.borgglobal.com

Robert Alexander, CEO at 360Wise Media, USA – www.360WiseMedia.com

Toki Mabogunje, President Lagos Chamber of Commerce – www.lagoschamber.com

Sir Joe Madu, President USAfrica Chamber of Commerce – www.usafricacoc.com

Brian n Ebden, Brand & Strategy Consultant
https://brianeebden.wixsite.com/brianeebden

Charles Udoh, Hon. Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Akwa Ibom State. www.akwaibomstate.gov.ng

It promises to be another insightful economic session with actionable results, and we can’t wait to see you!

Click to register now: https://goge.tv/3eUh1pC

*Goge Africa … dedicated to Africa’s development.*

What do you think?

Written by Martin Eze

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