By Abbanobi – Eku Onyekachi
Abuja
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has unveiled plans to focus attention on ecotourism, agricultural tourism and film/art tourism, informing that the potential in the aeras will harness and stimulate the local economy and promote the rich cultural heritage, which according to him would enrich travellers’ experiences in hisj State.
The Governor disclosed this through his Commissioner for Tourism Development, Hon. John Alla at the just concluded Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) non elective 27th Annual General Meeting held in Rockview Royale Hotel, Abuja on Tuesday.
“By promoting agricultural tourism as a state, we can support food security, sustainable agriculture, and local communities, contributing to a more resilient food system,” the governor reiterated.
He commended the tourism federation for carefully choosing the theme of the 27th AGM: “the role of a private sector in the development of tourism in Nigeria,” describing the event as very remarkable and rewarding, saying that the Annual General Meeting which brought stakeholders from across the country and beyond created opportunity for networking among stakeholders.
Her Excellency, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to Nigeria, Philda Nani Kereng and former Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism was the Keynote Speaker at the AGM.
Dignitaries that graced the annual general meeting include National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, President of Tourism Federation, Benin Republic, Monsr. Bouraima Mouinou Dine, Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, represented, Minister of Sports John Owan Enoh, represented, Director General of Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Otunba Folorunsho Coker, Director General of National Institute for Hospitality & Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Organiser of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, Director General, SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, Members of FTAN Board of Trustees and other key stakeholders.
The AGM featured educative panel sessions, with panellists comprising technocrats from the tourism sector and government ministries, departments, and agencies.
