World Tourism Day: Obaseki targets global industry's over $1.260trn revenue

World Tourism Day: Obaseki targets global industry's over $1.260trn revenue

...says robust culture, seaport, industrial park, others will drive tourist traffic to Edo

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the ongoing effort at repositioning the tourism sector through the development of a tourism master plan and the investment in the Benin River Port as well as the Benin Industrial Park would earn the state her fair share of the global tourism revenue, estimated at $1.260 trillion according to 2015 figures.

Obaseki gave the assurance on the occasion of the World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27, each year.

According to the governor: "We are impressed with the positive outlook of the global tourism sector and we are repositioning our domestic arm to take its slice of the trillion dollar industry.

"We are blessed with a clement climate and have highly sought-after flora and fauna. Our people are hospitable and have continued to play host to people from far and near, since pre-colonial times."

He said that work has commenced on the hosting of the 2018 edition of the Edo Festival of arts and culture (EDOFEST) which he explained: "would showcase the rich and colourful culture of Edo people."

Obaseki added: "The Edo Innovation Hub is pulling traffic of tech-entrepreneurs and thousands of people aspiring to tap into the opportunities in the technology industry, from across the world. We are resolute about making Edo Innovation Hub the Silicon Valley of Nigeria in the coming months.

"The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium being revamped will be open for international sporting competitions in the first quarter of next year, barring any hitches from the contractors. The 20 mini-stadia, when completed, will serve as grooming grounds for raw talent that will re-enact our glorious days in sports."

On this year's theme: "Tourism and the Digital Transformation," Obaseki noted that "it is a beautiful coincidence that the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is highlighting the impact of digital technology on human advancement and transformation at a time the Edo State Government has set up an innovation hub to equip Edo people with in-demand tech skills.

According to the UNWTO, "tourism is a key sector in the world. Over the past six decades, tourism has experienced continued expansion and diversification, and it has become one of the fastest growing and most important economic sectors in the world, benefiting destinations and communities worldwide."

The organisation said that the question of the opportunities that technological advances like big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms provide to tourism and sustainable development, will be answered at the World Tourism Day (WTD) 2018, where digital advances and innovation take centre stage to bring together continued growth with greater sustainability in tourism.

"This year, we will highlight the need for investment in disruptive digital technologies that can foster an environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism.

"The celebration will be held in Budapest, Hungary, a country enjoying the steady growth of tourism backed by consistent policy support and a commitment to the digital future. Other celebrations will take place worldwide.

The global tourism body's fact sheet shows that "International tourist arrivals worldwide have grown from 25 million in 1950 to nearly 1.3 billion today Similarly, international tourism revenues earned by destinations around the world have grown from 2 billion US dollars in 1950 to 1.260 trillion in 2015.

"The sector represents an estimated 10 per cent of the world's GDP and 1 in 10 jobs globally."

The UNWTO said it expects that tourism will continue to grow at an average of 3 per cent annually until 2030, adding "This growth reflects the progressive expansion of access to tourism thanks to the decline in the price of transport, especially air transport, and growing middle classes worldwide.

The recognition of the right to holidays in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the improved adoption of labour rights in many countries have also supported the coming of age of tourism. These factors also serve as a backdrop for the resilience shown by tourism in recent years. The sector has experienced almost uninterrupted growth despite challenges such as the global economic crisis, natural disasters and pandemics."

Turkish Airlines announced its “2018 Targets”

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 30 January 2018: After completing 2017 successfully, Turkish Airlines has now set its targets for 2018, the year in which the carrier will move its hub to the 3rd Airport of Istanbul.

According to the non-consolidated 2018 budget that was approved by the Board of Directors under the presidency of M. İlker Aycı, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, the guidance regarding the Incorporation's targets and expectations for the year 2018 are grouped into two: Traffic development and Financial Development (Unconsolidated).

For traffic development, the total number of passengers carried is targeted to reach 74 million including 33 million on domestic routes and 41 million on international routes; while passenger load factor is expected to be in the band of 79% and 80%, total Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) will approximately reach to 183 billion with an increase of between 5% and 6% compared to 2017. Capacity (ASK) increase is expected to be 10% in Turkey, 9% in the Middle East, 6% in Europe, 6% in the Far East, 4% in America and 3% in Africa regions; and in 2018, cargo/mail carried is expected to increase by 21% reaching 1.3 million tonnes.

For Financial Development, jet fuel consumption is expected to increase by 9% compared to 2017; average jet fuel (including fuel hedge) is expected to be 633$/ton in 2018; the Incorporation is targeting to generate 11.8 billion USD of sales revenue; cost per available seat kilometer (CASK), excluding fuel, is expected to increase by between 3%-5%; unconsolidated EBITDAR margin is targeted to be between 21% and 22%, whereas consolidated EBITDAR margin is targeted to be in the band of 23% and 24%.

Med-View Airline says it is not indebted to the Gatwick Airport authorities

Med-View Airline says it is not indebted to the Gatwick Airport authorities

….suspends Dubai operations

Med-View Airline yesterday said it was not indebted to the Gatwick Airport Authorities nor its European handlers, Mendez. This is just as the airline announced the suspension of its Lagos- Dubai operations till March 2018 when it will complete its own aircraft’s refurbishment.

Managing Director of Med-view, Alhaji Muneer Bankole disclosed this at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Lagos while reacting to allegations by an online publication that it was due to debts that its London operations had suffered in the last few days.

 Bankole explained that Med-View has paid the Gatwick Airport Authority about “£1.45million as at today and this can be verified”. According to him, the airport authority asks for money upfront for services not rendered, adding that Med-view “was paying for future operations which is not the same anywhere.”

“Consequently, we have taken measures on our Lagos-London route, which will now be serviced by an alternative aircraft currently in operation. We will also maintain three weekly flights”.

On the suspension of Dubai route, the Med-View Managing Director explained that due to the refurbishment of its aircraft on the route, it will have to suspend the Dubai service.

He said: “We have shut down Dubai operations till March when our aircraft B767-300ER Christened ‘ABEKE’ returns from a complete refurbishment in the United Kingdom. Passengers who have booked with us will be flown to their destinations via interline agreements.”

Bankole also revealed that it had serious challenges with its European partners over aircraft leased stating that it had not met the airline’s requirement in providing the necessary capacity.

According to him:  “while we want to leave the past behind us, it is imperative to say that we have issues with our European partners over aircraft we leased from them. From all indications, this aircraft has not been able to meet our requirement in providing the necessary capacity. The United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK-CAA) has been supportive of our efforts when it dawned on them that the issues had to do with aircraft.”

He also explained that the airline will still continue its Jeddah schedule via Kano explaining that the new biometric requirements by the Saudi Authorities may cause hitches and dwindling traffic but that it will be resolved.

“We will continue to maintain our Jeddah schedule every Thursday via Kano until the issue of biometrics, which is now a requirement, is resolved.”

Planning Committee For Nigeria's Hosting of African Tourism Ministers Inaugurated

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has inaugurated the planning committee for the 61st Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation/CAF taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, 4th-6th June 2018.

The Minister, who performed the ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, charged members of the committee to ensure the success of the event.

"Today's inauguration kick-starts our preparation for the hosting of the (UNWTO/CAF Meeting). The task ahead of us is enormous, but with the quality membership of the Planning Committee, we are up to the task and we will host a successful event,'' he said.

"You have been selected based on your knowledge and expertise in content, logistics and planning. Your role is to execute a successful event with professional inputs and assistance from the Ministry and the UNWTO. I have no doubt that you will take your assignments very seriously," Alhaji Mohammed said.

The Minister said the hosting right of the event, which was given to Nigeria, has clearly demonstrated the confidence of the CAF member states and the UNWTO in the country.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and members of the Planning Committee for the 61st meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation/Commission for Africa at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the highlight of Nigeria's relevance and acceptance by the Organization, within two years of its return after a period of absence, was further shown in his election as a Vice Chairman of the UNWTO General Assembly at an election held during the 22nd session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu, China, in September 2017.

Alhaji Mohammed said the UNWTO meeting will afford the country the unique opportunity to project its image as a safe and desirable destination for leisure and business as well as promote the country’s tourism products and services.

He said the meeting will also provide a platform for tourism stakeholders to interact with their counterparts from other countries, generate foreign exchange through accommodation in hotels, airfares and souvenirs purchased by foreign delegates, create direct and indirect employment, thereby alleviating poverty, and provide the platform for the training for public and private sector tourism officials.

Membership of the planning committee cuts across the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Capital Territory, extra-ministerial departments and agencies as well as the private sector.

New GM rolls out plans to reposition former Ibom Le'Meridien hotel

New GM rolls out plans to reposition former Ibom Le'Meridien hotel

THE new General Manager of Ibom Hotels & Golf Resort (formerly Ibom Le Meridien Hotels & Golf Resort) Mr. Ronald Stilting has stated his plans to reposition the property for increased patronage and improved profit for the state.

Speaking with newsmen yesterday at the Hotel Stilting said the first steps which have already been taken to improve the hotel and its marketing would be launched soon.

He added, "This will include improving the golf course, golf tournaments, a face-lift for the hotel and new concepts. The golf course is an important aspect of this property and we are determined to make it work.

"Our vision is to make the hotel become one of the top-5 hotels in Nigeria before the end of 2018. And we intend to achieve this through proactive service in a unique environment.

"I strongly believe that Ibom hotel & Golf Resort is a property with great potentials which can surely reach former glory."

The Dutch National whose African experience in Hotel management stretches from Ghana, Tanzania, Liberia, Kenya and Nigeria, noted that the new concepts of Eat & Swim family lunch buffet at weekends, Valentine's Day and Special dinner as well as a new website would be launched in February this year.

He added that also key to improving upon the hotel was intensifying guest interaction through the social media and Messenger.

He also identified staff training as another aspect of the action plan, even as he disclosed that no staff was laid of in the course of recent changes.

"In recent developments all the good things remain the same. For instance 99percent of the staff still remain. Only the weak aspects will be improved upon.

"Incentives will be given to staff as a way of motivation especially those at the lower rank. We are going to embark on serious staff training because we inherited them. We have identified lapses because they were not trained"

"We are also going to embark on massive marketing and publicity. We are interested in achieving results", he said

Ronald Stilting was appointed by Akwa Ibom State government on January 1, 2018 after Starwood Groups former managers of the property were dismissed.   

Sheraton Abuja launches BBQ night Saturdays

Nigeria As the year begins to unfold, Sheraton Abuja Hotel is once again helping to energize the minds of the customer’s still hung up on the holiday spirit with the introduction of the grilling seasons BBQ nights at the Hotel’s Poolside.
The Executive Chef for Sheraton Abuja Hotel -Nicholas Geba and his team have put in efforts towards creating a tasty assortment of BBQ flavours for food and entertainment enthusiasts within the F.C.T.
According to the General Manager for the Hotel –Nouman Irshad “our BBQ night is set to launch on the 13th of January 2018 at the Poolside and will take place every Saturday. We are offering this well thought out leisure activity from 3pm-9pm and it will be truly an elevated experience for both our in-house guests and customers”.
“We have made the best selection of various live band entertainers within Abuja City so there will never be a dull moment. Our special free-flow-salad will be available for all diners. For beverages, you will be spoiled for choice with our compelling selection of wines, beers, soft drinks and cocktails”. And for your added pleasure, we have Shisha with various flavours- on request”.

“Last but not least our collection of fun and interesting board games such as Ludo, whats, chess, local Ludo, scrabble and draft are available for you to have an interactive and engaging time with new or old friends; the idea is that this creates the perfect activity during family bonding time”.

“A relaxed evening around the most transformative ambience with great food and inspiring music is what we offer our loyal 

Wizkid, Tuface, Tiwa Savage, and others to perform at A/Ibom Christmas Groove

Wizkid, Tuface, Tiwa Savage will perform at the maiden edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas groove tagged, “Ukap’isua,” scheduled to hold Dec. 26 and Dec.27 in Uyo.

Mr Victor Antai, state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, who made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo, listed other acts to include Tekno, Phyno and many more.

He said more than 100,000 fun seekers are also expected at the “Ukap’isua’’ groove which means the end of the year Christmas festival and would feature musical concerts, dance party and beach competitions.

According to him, the star studded event will also include a parade of five bands along the carnival routes, University of Uyo mini stadium – Ikot Ekpene road – Aka road – UdoUdoma Avenue – Unity Park.

He said that five bands have been named after tourist attractions and historical features in the state such as, Blue River Band, Rolling Hills Band, The Beach Town Band, The Bridge Band and The Plaza Band.

Tiwa Savage

He said, “the bands are named after tourist attractions and historical features in the state.’’

“The bands will further expound on the significance of their respective tourism features in their costumes, presentation and parade, thereby helping to market the tourist potentials of the state.’’

“Following our highly successful outing in `Orange September,’ a series of events organised to commemorate the 30th anniversary of our dear state.

“The Ministry of Culture and Tourism under my supervision has decided to undertake another major event in our conscious and regular efforts to further stamp the state as a tourism destination.

“As we all know, yuletide periods in the state have hitherto been bereft of hyped activities.

“During this period we usually witness an outflow of human traffic into neighbouring states as indigenes and fun seekers leave the state in their numbers to other parts of the country in search of entertainment and recreation.

“It is in an attempt to remedy this and spice up the yuletide experience for the citizens of Akwa Ibom State, while effectively marketing our huge tourist potentials that the Ministry has decided to host “Ukap’isua.”

Tuface 

“We hope to create during this same period, a unique experience that will not only create recreation and entertainment, but also market our huge tourism potentials,’’ Antai said.

He explained that “Ukap’isua would commence with the opening of the festival village, located at the auspicious Ibom Unity Park, Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo.

Antai said that the festival village would host relaxation spots, shopping stalls and other recreational facilities.

The commissioner expressed the commitment of the state government to focus on tourism as major source of revenue generation and jobs creation rather than depending solely on oil.  

Wizkid