Nigeria organises investors forum for ‘now important’ tourism industry

The Nigerian Tourism Investors Forum, (NTIFE) has become increasingly important since the government identified the industry as a means of poverty alleviation.

The forum, which is organised by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, has been scheduled to hold on November 29 and 30.

Ayo Olumoko, committee chairman, said it will be different from past editions as it is the first time a committee has been given the mandate to organise the forum.

The forum will be a meeting point for government agencies and experts in travel and tourism trade to deliberate and make recommendations for the growth of Nigeria’s tourism industry.

‘‘This gesture has brought a certain level of professionalism the committee has the duty of sources for fund, bringing in corporate participation and reaching out to different states,’’ Olumoko said.

He said this year’s NTIFE would witness greater participation for the public and private sector.

Olumoko also said participants would have the opportunity to exhibit their products and services in a bid to promote Nigeria as a tourist destination.

There would also cultural presentations from states and groups.

“NTIFE has become even more important now that the federal government has identified domestic tourism as one of the avenues towards poverty alleviation. This has become imperative given the fact that tourism is one of the world’s largest industries generating an estimated 11 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The industry employs about 200 million people and annually transports nearly 700 million people,” this, the organizer said would help NTIFE achieve a diversified economy.

Through the opportunities for exhibition during the two-day event, private sector practitioners, states and agencies of the Nigerian government will showcase their tourism products, potentials as well as meet potential investors in tourism.