The Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) is seeking to partner with the Federal ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to domesticate the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UN-Tourism) policy-push for digitization and technological innovation in travel tourism and hospitality operations across the country.  This was disclosed by ITPN President Chief Abiodun Odusanwo during his speech at this year’s annual meeting of the Tourism Minister with states’ commissioners of tourism, permanent secretaries and directors of tourism.   Odusanwo said: “ITPN has initiated collaboration between it and the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to domesticate and enhance Nigeria’s adoption of the policy. ITPN has, over the years, been diligently working in partnership and close collaboration with ministries, departments, agencies, private sector organizations, NGOs and foreign missions/embassies, in particular, the Federal Ministry of Tourism, to leverage on the existence of connectivity and inter-dependency between tourism and the various segments of the economy to promote and enhance growth and national development.”             

The UN Tourism had laid out its blueprint to be active in the world’s digital transformation stating: “Tourism was one of the first sectors to digitalize business processes on a global scale, bringing flight and hotel booking online to become a digital pioneer. As information and communications technology (ICT) became a global phenomenon, tourism was a consistent early adopter of new technologies and platforms.

“A digitalized tourism sector must innovate and generate new business opportunities to ensure the continued competitiveness, growth and sustainable development of the sector. The ultimate goal is to make a solid contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and the global development community.”