NTDC partners private sector to develop tourist sites

The Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) says it is partnering with the private sector to develop some tourist sites in the country.

The Acting Director-General of the Corporation, Mrs Mariel Rae-Omoh disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at a news conference on a proposed book launch.

The title of the book is, “Redefining Tourism in Nigeria: The Real Issues and Challenges,’’ written by Ogbonna Okoronkwo and Nwankwo Rapheal.

According to her, the corporation will focus on developing the sector in order to promote market as well as assist in the development of the Nigerian tourism industry.

She said that the FCT would be used as the launching pad for the tourist sites.

“ The corporation has also commenced work with the private sectors towards the development of tourist sites in the country using FCT as a launching pad.’’

Rae-Omoh added that the NTDC would also focus on developing a template for running tourism in the country.

Rae-Omoh 

She said the corporation will also engage in youth tourism development through education and exposure; embracing all stakeholders in the sector.

The acting D-G also said that the book was targeted towards empowering the public, particularly the youths.

She stressed the need for adequate knowledge on tourism potential and the need to contribute towards revamping the sector.

“ The book would promote rural tourism-based enterprises, create jobs, reduce unemployment and urban migration, as well as create more awareness at the grassroots on tourism development at the Federal, State and Local Government levels.’’

Rae-Omoh said there was need for the private sector to continue collaboration with the government towards developing tourism.

In his remark, the Team Leader, Rapok Production Ventures, Prof. Osmond Onyeka, said the essence of the book was to empower stakeholders, particularly the youths on tapping the abundant tourism potential.

Onyeka said the book would be massively produced and sent to schools, tourist sites and other relevant places to stimulate the thinking and assist in advertising the tourism potential in the country.

He stressed the need to develop the sector, which he said, would reduce out flux of people travelling out of the country for vacation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book “Redefining Tourism in Nigeria: The Real Issues and Challenges,’’ would be launched on Feb. 14 by Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

NAN also reports that Prof. Joseph Mamman and Bishop Mattew Kukah will review the book.