President of Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung has stated that the transformative growth envisioned by the country’s policy makers can be realized only with sustainable funding models, strategic investments, and a workforce equipped with the necessary skills to drive innovation and excellence in the sector.

Speaking while declaring open the 7th edition of the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) 2024 in Abuja, Thursday, Mr Onung disclosed that this position informed the decision by FTAN to integrate a training and capacity building session for state and local government tourism officers into the programmes for this year’s event.

The Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) is the flagship programme of FTAN organized for industry operators as an annual gathering that has become a cornerstone of collective efforts of the members to elevate the Nigerian Tourism sector to its rightful place as a key driver of economic growth, cultural heritage preservation and social development.

The theme for the 7th edition of the forum is; “Sustainable Funding and Investment: Renewed Hope Agenda for Tourism.”

The FTAN president also used the occasion to commend President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support in the area of tourism development in Nigeria demonstrated through the government’s recognition of the sector as a vital tool for economic diversification.

“Today, I am particularly thrilled to announce a historic milestone for this year’s NTIFE: the introduction of trainings for state and local government tourism officers. For the first time, we are integrating capacity building into this forum, recognizing the pivotal role that these officers play in implementing tourism policies and programs across the federation.

On the choice of theme for this year’s edition, Onung explained that it was intended to reflect the urgent need for innovative approaches to financing and investment in tourism, underpinned by sustainable practices that ensure long- term benefits for our communities, environment and economy.

“Tourism is a unique and powerful sector. It is one that cuts across industries, creates employment opportunities, fosters cultural exchange, and contributes significantly to national GDP. Yet, it remains underfunded and underutilized in Nigeria.

“Today, we embark on a renewed journey of hope, commitment, and collaboration to this narrative.

“However, we cannot achieve the transformative growth we envision without sustainable funding models, strategic investments, and a workforce equipped with the necessary skills to drive innovation and excellence in the sector.

“Today, I am particularly thrilled to announce a historic milestone for this year’s NTIFE: the introduction of trainings for state and local government tourism officers. For the first time, we are integrating capacity building into this forum, recognizing the pivotal role that these officers play in implementing tourism policies and programs across the federation.

“This initiative is not just a response to current needs but a proactive step towards building a professional, efficient, and innovative tourism workforce. I am glad to announce that states like Lagos and the FCT have already enrolled for this training with more calling in for participation.

The FTAN president further tasked, entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers alike ‘to embrace the theme of this year’s forum not as a slogan, but as a rallying cry for collective action.’

Keynote Speaker, the Consul General of Antigua and Barbuda to Nigeria, Ambassador Wallace W. Williams who was represented by Mr. Kazeem Balogun, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to support Nigeria’s tourism ambitions.

“Antigua and Barbuda stands ready to share insights, forge partnerships, and collaborate on initiatives that will strengthen the tourism ties between both nations.

“Let us seize this moment of renewed hope. Let us build a tourism industry that is inclusive, sustainable, and transformative. The journey ahead requires courage, innovation, and unity.

The Director General of Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Folorunsho Coker called on FTAN members to always speak with one voice that FTAN should maintain its leadership roles as the umbrella body for the private sector, adding ‘Government does not like noise.’

He urged the participants to embrace emerging trends and technology to drive tourism development, saying ‘the new T now is technology.’

Also remarking, Director General of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunoso, represented by Chidima Nwauzie, said the agency was at the event to reaffirm its support for the growth and sustenance of the tourism industry, by ensuring that national Standards are in place for uniform industry best practices.

Also, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mr. Obi Asika, while sharing some of his activities so far and plans ahead used the opportunity to invite the participants to the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) 2024 coming up in Abuja in the next few days.

Mr Asika described tourism opportunity for Nigeria as ‘very massive if right steps are taken in promoting it,’ just as he expressed NCAC’s readiness to collaborate with the operators.

Highlight of the two-day NTIFE was the training and capacity building session for over 20 people drawn from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria who were trained on Tourism Development and Management with certificates presented to each participant at the end of the session.

The training was provided by two bodies in FTAN; the Institute of Tourism Professionals (ITPN), and the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN).