FTAN President hails members' united candidacy at UNWTO Conference
The National Chairman of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, hailed the united support of member associations of the federation for the swift boycott of the recent solo host of the UNWTO conference in Nigeria.
According to Onung, the industry is best managed and promoted for the benefit of all if we have a vision, speak with one voice and develop programs to achieve a sustainable goal that aligns with sector partnership initiatives public and private (PPP).< /p>
"For all of us, respecting the boycott order is a strength to show the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, that everyone has a major role to play in the development and growth of tourism , and no one is an island in building a grand vision for tourism,” he said.
Onung explained that one of the goals of the conference, as stated, is that it "will provide a unique networking opportunity for industry players, practitioners, government officials and policy makers to debate the contemporary and future issues, as well as to exchange ideas and information relating to tourism, culture and the creative industry.
"In another article on the UNWTO website published on 25 September 2021, titled Let's Talk: Inclusive Growth in Tourism, 'Inclusive Growth' is defined as growth that is equitably distributed across society and that creates opportunities for all.
“Let us also recall that one of the priorities of the UNWTO is: the creation of partnerships: collaborating with the private sector, regional and local tourism organizations, academia, civil society and the United Nations system to build a more sustainable, responsible and competitive tourism sector. »
He explained: "Since we can only speak on behalf of the organized private sector as the apex body of the industry, it is wise to ask how UNWTO has achieved all of the above when of the conference that has just ended.
"For the purposes of those who are not part of the Federation but have the interests of the industry at heart, I will provide some background to the reason behind the final decision to boycott the conference.
>"Because we understand the importance of the relationship between government and the private sector for the growth and sustainability of the tourism economy, we have repeatedly attempted to engage with the Minister of Information and Culture without success.
“For about eight years, the Minister ignored the private sector, then decided to push to bring the conference to Nigeria and expects the private sector to attend without concert to infuse content from the sector private to engage and stimulate activities afterwards?
“While we appreciate the original intention of the UNWTO conference, we strongly believe that what the conference has brought to Nigeria is not a conundrum or a riddle, it is a simple question. This is the National Theater Project.
"We don't know of any other reason for the conference as the Minister has no vision for the industry that we can connect with and there is also no government agenda known to the sector.
"We have continued to demand clear policies that will develop tourism and none have been presented. We have also observed that we have not benefited from any of the many UNWTO-supported projects that boost and transform tourism. tourism. We therefore thank all the members and tourism stakeholders who have supported the Federation.
“Please note that FTAN speaks on behalf of the industry, but not all executives/stakeholders are members of FTAN. That is why we held press conferences at the beginning and announced our intention to boycott the conference to make room for those who need clarification or more information.
“Part of the functions of the Federation is to speak for and direct the affairs of the member associations. An example is FTAN going to court on behalf of the Hotel Association of Nigeria. Even though not all sectors/stakeholders were involved in the decision, the interests of the entire hospitality industry were protected.
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"Once again, we sincerely thank the stakeholders who supported us. And seeing that a majority of industry stakeholders have complied with this guideline, we are encouraged. Going forward, the Federation will develop a wider circle of consultation.
"The question at this point is, has the conference provided a blueprint for tourism in Nigeria? Has it considered the pending covid-19 palliatives to the tourism industry? Will there be better funding for the industry Will the Minister attend the next private tourism event?
“These questions need answers as we hope and pray that the new regime of 2023 will not leave the tourism industry orphaned,” Onung added
The National Chairman of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, hailed the united support of member associations of the federation for the swift boycott of the recent solo host of the UNWTO conference in Nigeria.
According to Onung, the industry is best managed and promoted for the benefit of all if we have a vision, speak with one voice and develop programs to achieve a sustainable goal that aligns with sector partnership initiatives public and private (PPP).< /p>
"For all of us, respecting the boycott order is a strength to show the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, that everyone has a major role to play in the development and growth of tourism , and no one is an island in building a grand vision for tourism,” he said.
Onung explained that one of the goals of the conference, as stated, is that it "will provide a unique networking opportunity for industry players, practitioners, government officials and policy makers to debate the contemporary and future issues, as well as to exchange ideas and information relating to tourism, culture and the creative industry.
"In another article on the UNWTO website published on 25 September 2021, titled Let's Talk: Inclusive Growth in Tourism, 'Inclusive Growth' is defined as growth that is equitably distributed across society and that creates opportunities for all.
“Let us also recall that one of the priorities of the UNWTO is: the creation of partnerships: collaborating with the private sector, regional and local tourism organizations, academia, civil society and the United Nations system to build a more sustainable, responsible and competitive tourism sector. »
He explained: "Since we can only speak on behalf of the organized private sector as the apex body of the industry, it is wise to ask how UNWTO has achieved all of the above when of the conference that has just ended.
"For the purposes of those who are not part of the Federation but have the interests of the industry at heart, I will provide some background to the reason behind the final decision to boycott the conference.
>"Because we understand the importance of the relationship between government and the private sector for the growth and sustainability of the tourism economy, we have repeatedly attempted to engage with the Minister of Information and Culture without success.
“For about eight years, the Minister ignored the private sector, then decided to push to bring the conference to Nigeria and expects the private sector to attend without concert to infuse content from the sector private to engage and stimulate activities afterwards?
“While we appreciate the original intention of the UNWTO conference, we strongly believe that what the conference has brought to Nigeria is not a conundrum or a riddle, it is a simple question. This is the National Theater Project.
"We don't know of any other reason for the conference as the Minister has no vision for the industry that we can connect with and there is also no government agenda known to the sector.
"We have continued to demand clear policies that will develop tourism and none have been presented. We have also observed that we have not benefited from any of the many UNWTO-supported projects that boost and transform tourism. tourism. We therefore thank all the members and tourism stakeholders who have supported the Federation.
“Please note that FTAN speaks on behalf of the industry, but not all executives/stakeholders are members of FTAN. That is why we held press conferences at the beginning and announced our intention to boycott the conference to make room for those who need clarification or more information.
“Part of the functions of the Federation is to speak for and direct the affairs of the member associations. An example is FTAN going to court on behalf of the Hotel Association of Nigeria. Even though not all sectors/stakeholders were involved in the decision, the interests of the entire hospitality industry were protected.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
"Once again, we sincerely thank the stakeholders who supported us. And seeing that a majority of industry stakeholders have complied with this guideline, we are encouraged. Going forward, the Federation will develop a wider circle of consultation.
"The question at this point is, has the conference provided a blueprint for tourism in Nigeria? Has it considered the pending covid-19 palliatives to the tourism industry? Will there be better funding for the industry Will the Minister attend the next private tourism event?
“These questions need answers as we hope and pray that the new regime of 2023 will not leave the tourism industry orphaned,” Onung added
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