FROM RAHILA ABDULLAHI, KADUNA
As stakeholders across the world celebrate the 2024 World Tourism Day, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, FTAN, and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR, Kaduna campus, have sought the collaboration of other stakeholders in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Director, Tourism Business, Innovation and Technology, Patience Iya, has promised that the Kaduna State government, through the ministry, will ensure collaboration with other stakeholders for improved tourism sector.
She disclosed that Kaduna has the potentials to lead other states in the tourism sector in the country.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the World Tourism Day in Kaduna yesterday, the State Coordinator of FTAN, Dr Tobi Thomas, averred that his association remains dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
While promising that FTAN would continued to sustain tourism practices in the state, Dr Thomas urged government and other stakeholders to recognide the huge contributions of the sector to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of the economy.
This is just as FTAN and NIHOTOUR advocated for policy reforms in the sector, adding that it would explore Nigeria’s diverse destinations.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of NIHOTOUR, Kaduna Campus, Mrs Clara Asoko, said Kaduna is a great city, but tourism awareness among the people is low, hence the need to create awareness about its benefits and economic gains.
“This is one of the reasons why we are on the streets of Kaduna for a ‘Road Walk’ to sensitise and create awareness on the benefits of the sector to our diverse nation,” she explained.
According to Asoko, tourism has long been recognised as a vital force for peace, helping to build tolerance, reduce prejudice and foster global unity.
