'ITPN seeks collaboration with state governments to revolutionize Nigeria’s tourism offerings’ - Otunba A. Olumoko
Leadership of the Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), a premier privately sector driven tourism training and certification institute for travel, hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria, has asserted its commitment to partner with various State Governments in a bid to revolutionize tourism offerings in Nigeria.
Otunba Ayo Olumoko, Vice President South West Zone of ITPN, made this statement at the recently concluded first retreat for new members and stakeholders organized by the Ogun State Chapter of the Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeriq (ITPN) held at Wemby Suites, GRA, Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Otunba Olumoko, opening his speech at the event, praised Ogun government led by Gov. Prince Dapo Abiodun for the great milestone he achieved while insisting that the Gateway agro Cargo Airport will boost tourism growth to the State. ‘The airport will no doubt rub off tremendously on helping to accelerate the growth of the huge tourism potential in the state’, Otunba stated.
Making a case on the extensive impact and contributions of tourism to the country’s economy, Otunba insisted that, ‘The tourism and hospitality industry is a critical sector of the Nigerian economy, contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
‘However, there is a need for a coordinated effort to develop the sector to meet global standards, and this is where the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria comes in. Ogun state, presents diverse opportunities in community based tourism, cultural and sports begging for public - private partnerships, investments and product developments that can in no small measure be beneficial to government determination to create jobs, generate more revenue and assuage youth restiveness’.
He harped on the focus, purpose and direction of ITPN, ‘The ITPN is a professional body committed to promoting professionalism and excellence in the tourism and hospitality industry. The Institute is a platform that brings together stakeholders in the industry, including industry practitioners, academics, and policymakers, to drive the development of the sector.
‘The Institute’s purpose is to promote professionalism, ethics, and best practices in the tourism and hospitality industry through training, research, and advocacy’, he maintained.
Otunba Ayo Olumoko further revealed the vast benefits of being a member of the Institute which, according to him, ‘The ITPN also provides a platform for networking, collaboration, and exchange of ideas among industry stakeholders’.
He revealed that the ITPN has raised its anthers reaching out for extensive collaborations that would see the institute in ‘the South West Zone working with the various state chapters of the Institute, will collaborate with state governments in the Zone In a series of upcoming programs and events to not only revolutionize but to reposition the vast tourism offers in the region with a view of creating tourism market ready products in the shortest possible time.
‘One of the benefits of being a member of the ITPN is access to training and capacity building programs that will enhance professional skills and knowledge. For example, the State Ministry of Tourism, can partner the Institute as an awarding body to create its own center, specifically dedicated designed to meet human capital and skills needs and gaps of the industry in the state’.
Otunba went to explain that the Institute also provides a platform for members to showcase their expertise and connect with potential clients and partners.
He emphasized that ITPN can also be of immense assistance to the state ministry responsible for tourism in generating revenue and adding value to the growth and development of domestic tourism and related tourism products development for repositioning tourism in the
state.
He said, ‘By working together, the Institute and the state government can create an enabling environment for tourism to thrive, leading to economic growth and job creation.
Let me at this point state that I am delighted to see the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ogun State, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo, and the Special Guest of Honour, Honorable Dr. Toyin Emmanuel, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Ogun State, present at this retreat. Your presence signifies the importance that the state government places on the tourism sector's growth and development’.
Before concluding his speech, the Otunba , acknowledged the host, Honorable Abolaji Kelani, MITPN Ogun State Coordinator of the Institute; Mr. Charles Ukomadu FITPN, the South West Zone Special Adviser of the Institute, the media and other industry dignitaries.
Your presence is a testament to the importance of the tourism sector and the role the Institute plays in promoting its growth and development.
Otunba Olumoko, just before dropping the microphone, made a last effort to entrench indelibly into the minds of his audience, all he has been saying, ‘In conclusion, I urge all industry stakeholders to work together to promote the development of the tourism and hospitality industry in Ogun state and indeed Nigeria. I also encourage new and upcoming members to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Institute to enhance their professional skills and knowledge. Let us work together to make Ogun state outstanding in tourism human capital, cultural, and domestic-based tourism.
Comments
Post a Comment