Sun Aqua Vilu Reef to host World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony

World Travel Awards (WTA) has revealed that the five-star Sun Aqua Vilu Reef will host its prestigious Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2017 on the 8th July.

The event will take place on Meedhuffushi Island in the Maldives' South Nilandhe Atol, with hospitality leaders from across the region expected to be in attendance.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef offers 103 luxurious rooms and suites - all of which come with deep soaking tubs, complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service.

Beyond the bedrooms, guests can indulge in signature spice-scented scrub at the spa or borrow a book to read while soaking up the sun on the pristine beach.

When night falls, sample one of Sun Aqua Vilu Reef’s restaurants serving a range of international cuisine, before enjoying a sundowner cocktail while listening to DJ spun tunes.

Ahead of the Indian Ocean Ceremony, WTA Founder and President Graham Cooke said: “It is an honour for us to reveal Sun Aqua Vilu Reef as the host for the World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Ceremony 2017.”

“This is a wonderful resort in a picturesque tourist hotspot. It will be genuine pleasure for us to welcome nominees to the event in July.”

Cooke added: “With voting still open there is a chance for members of the tourism industry and general public to make their voices heard in the build up to the event.”

Voting for the World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony is open until 22nd May 2017, with more information here.

A full list of nominees can be seen here.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.

World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

Nigeria Wins Right To Host African Tourism Ministers in 2018

Nigeria on Wednesday won the right to host, in 2018, the 61st meeting of African Ministers in charge of Tourism, tagged the UN World Tourism Organisation (WTO) Commission for Africa (CAF).

Nigeria won the hosting right by acclamation following the presentation of a five-minute video, entitled ''Simply Nigeria'', to delegates at the ongoing 59th edition of the UNWTO CAF Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

The compelling video, which highlighted Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and tourism destinations, was greeted by a prolonged applause.

Responding, the Chairman of the UNWTO Commission for Africa and Zimbabwean Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Walter Nzembi, said: ''Procedurally, when a member state offers its destination for the host of the next CAF, we all put that request to a test, do I take the applause of the Minister’s presentation to mean your approval of Nigeria as next destination call?''

The question was greeted by a more resounding applause, confirming Nigeria as the host of the 2018 meeting.

Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed (left) with his counterpart from Niger at the 59th edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Wednesday.

Making a case for Nigeria's bid, which was launched at the 58^th edition of the UNWTO CAF Meeting in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, in 2015, the Minister said it presents an opportunity for the country of almost 200 million people ''to showcase our rich cultural heritage and to promote Nigeria as a leisure and business destination''.

He described Nigeria as a ''fascinating country'' which previously hosted the UNWTO CAF Meeting in 2003, 2008 and 2012, in addition to hosting the Second World Festival of Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture in 1977.

Alhaji Mohammed said Nigeria is a country of peaceful and hospitable people, and that the 2018 UNWTO CAF Meeting will be a practical demonstration of the government's commitment to developing the tourism sector as an alternative source of revenue.

Earlier in the day, he told the delegates that the Nigerian government has defeated the Boko Haram insurgency, noting that occasional attacks on soft targets by the insurgents who are now on the run do not amount to a resurgence of the group.

Ethiopian airlines lands airbus in Abuja

Ethiopian Airlines says it will land a brand new Airbus 8350 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday to mark the reopening of the airport on Wednesday.

The Airline’s Traffic and Sales Manager, Mrs Firiehiwot Mekonnen, said that the aircraft land in Abuja on its first day of operation from Addis Ababa and that it would remain on Abuja route.

She particularly stated that the arrival of the aircraft in Abuja marks the first time an airbus would be permanent on the Abuja route.

She said that the decision to celebrate the inaugural flight to Abuja was because of the airline’s commitment to the Nigerian market.

According to the manager, the 313-passenger capacity aircraft that landed at 11.15 am is the first aircraft to land at the newly rehabilitated Abuja runway.

“The Ethiopian’s brand new Airbus 8350 is landing in Abuja airport is the first aircraft to land on the newly rehabilitated runway and first airbus to land in Abuja.

“From now on, we are going to operate airbus on Abuja route,’’ she said.

Recall that when Abuja airport was closed on March 8 for repairs on its runway and flight operations diverted to Kaduna International Airport, Ethiopian Airlines was the first to land its new Boeing 787 in Kaduna.

The airline, being the only international carrier that agreed to operate at Kaduna, had maintained consistent operation at the airport since the beginning of the six weeks operation.

Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State had also requested that the airline maintained its Kaduna operations even after the reopening of Abuja airport.

Mokennen said that the airline was seriously considering the governor’s request.  

Africa will produce next UNWTO Secretary-General – Lai

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, has expressed optimism that Africa will take the job of Secretary General of United Nation World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in January 2018.

The minister said this on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in an interview with newsmen at the 59th Meeting of UNWTO Commission for Africa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Mohammed is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the four-day conference of Africa Ministers of Tourism, the highest UN advisory body on tourism globally.

“The UNWTO Secretary General, Mr Taleb Rifai, a Jordanian will be leaving after a very successful two terms and we all believe that it is the turn of Africa to occupy this post.

“Of course, intensive lobbying has been going on, but the most important thing for us is to ensure that we use all available opportunity to ensure we produce the next Secretary General.

“There are candidates from Africa, Europe and Brazil but for us who are ministers from Africa, we want to ensure that an African emerged as the next Secretary General of UNWTO,’’ he said.

Mohammed said that Nigeria would use the ongoing meeting with the theme: “2017 as Year of Sustainable Tourism’’, to leverage on the achievements recorded so far on tourism sector.

He recalled that the 58th Edition held in Cote d’Ívoire last year was used to re-launch the country back to the UNWTO fold and it had yielded fruits.

“After the meeting in Abidjan last year, Nigeria was invited to the headquarters of UNWTO in Madrid, Spain where a session was dedicated exclusively to address Nigeria’s challenges on tourism.

“It is as a result of the meeting that UNWTO sent experts to Nigeria to review our Tourism Development Plan.

“We hosted them for five days in December last year, and during the meetings, the experts met with cross section of all the major stakeholders in the industry.

“We are already implementing recommendations from the engagements and they are yielding results,’’ he said.

The minister said that the second leg of the meeting –a High Level Meeting on Chinese Outbound Tourism in Africa will strengthen cultural relation between China and African countries with Nigeria in particular.

He said that the meeting would review the proposal by China to Africa on facilitating cultural exchange and visit of Africans to China.  

Argungu fishing festival to hold in March 2018, polo to feature — Emir

Alhaji Samaila Mera, the Emir of Argungu on Sunday said the popular Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival would hold in March 2018 and feature polo as one of its events.

Mera made the remarks during a courtesy call by Francis Ogboro, the President of the Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF) and his officials to the Emir’s palace.

The four-day yearly festival held in Kebbi State is one of Nigeria’s internationally recognised tourism attractions.

But unfortunately, it has not been held since the last edition in 2009, posing a huge revenue loss to the local economy and the country.

The Emir, however said plans were on ground to ensure the festival holds next year.

“We are working together with the State government to make sure that the festival is staged next year.

“We are in the process of appointing a Director-General for the festival, create a Secretariat and start making contacts with our various sponsors as well as the various stakeholders.

“As you know, the festival has now been inscribed in the World Heritage list which makes the United Nations a stakeholder in the festival.

“So, immediately the director-general is appointed, we will have a tripartite meeting between the State, the Federal Government and the United Nations, who are the major stakeholders in the festival.

“From that meeting, we should be able to announce to the world when the next festival will hold which will definitely be sometime in March next year Insha Allah,” he said.

He also noted that there was great potential in the polo tournament being part of the festival, adding that the tournament has continued to evolve and grow over the years.

“The festival started with just the main even, which is the grand fishing.

“Today we have like seven to eight major events making the entire festival.

“Therefore, this has huge potential in my opinion of becoming one event amongst so many to hold during the festival,” he said.

He explained that the reason for the lengthy delay in holding festival was largely due to the security situation the country had been faced with for quite a while.

“You know the festival is such that attracts people like no other festival in the country.

“In our wisdom, we felt that it was a kind of opportunity the miscreants in our society will want to take advantage of to attack and cause maximum damage.

“So, we were not prepared to take that chance.

“Alhamdullahi, peace has come to most part of the country and we felt it is safe enough to stage it at this time.

“Hopefully, next year Insha Allah it will hold,” he said.

In his response, Ogboro said he and the entire NPF family were very honoured to have been personally invited by the Emir to witness the maiden Argungu polo tournament.

“I am very excited that polo has come to Argungu for the first time in the history of the state and I am proud to have been part of this historical event, ” he said.

He said the NPF would work harmoniously with NSK Farms, the sponsors, as well as the state government to ensure that the dream becomes a reality.

He added that the game of polo would indeed be a plus to the festival as it had the potential of attracting people from all over the world.

“The benefits are indeed numerous for this part of the country as well as the entire nation,” he said.

The Argungu Polo Tournament which was organised by Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, the patron of the NSK Farms galloped on Friday and ended on Sunday.  

NIGERIA’s CULTURAL HERITAGE, HUGE EXPORT POTENTIAL - Ooni

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has described Nigeria’s cultural heritage as a huge export potential capable of igniting economic rejuvenation.

Ooni Ogunwusi said this in Ile-Ife at the weekend during the joint celebration of Alafere, Oya and Ijugbe festivals which attracted a huge crowd of participants from within and outside Ile-Ife, especially the Bariba and Nupe people in Niger and Kwara states of Nigeria.

The African foremost monarch who is the spiritual leader of Yoruba race stated that the celebration is to give glory to God Almighty who he described in Yoruba language "Oba ti a ko ri, ti a n ri ise owo e"(the unseen God but whose impact is being felt always.

The Ooni wondered why cultural festivals and heritage are not getting necessary attention from citizens of the country, saying this has been affecting the growth of the local festivals and culture in the country.

He also expressed displeasure that foreigners were beginning to appreciate the African culture, mysteries and festivals than indigenes of the continents.

“Our heritage is so strong. All the things that we are celebrating may be strange to a lot of people living in Nigeria and Yorubaland but in the Western World, I just returned from the UK where I met with the British royal family and visited the British museum, they don’t joke with our culture. All these things are so important to them. They traced the origin of mankind to Africa and all these facts are displayed in their libraries and museums. They believe in the potency and power of all these festivals. It is about time for us (Africans) to nurture what we have.

We should celebrate what nature has given to us. Our culture is a very huge export potential and tourism is one of the biggest trades in the world. It is bigger than a lot of investments that you can think of because it has a lot of people’s movement. With tourism, people are able to establish a common heritage and ancestral background.” Ooni said.

He added a call on government at all levels to improve the level of infrastructure, noting that government needed to support drive to project the Yoruba culture to the world.

“It is about time for us to focus on tourism by improving our infrastructure and for us to package these entire heritages. Most of the heritage and festivals are very timely and yield benefits.

Government should pay serious attention to our heritage. We are blessed here because our tourist centres and attractions are natural. We don’t need to create any form of artificial tourism. They are very natural tourism potentials and that is why we need to display them. We hope that at one point, government will appreciate us." He added.

The Obalejugbe of the source, High Chief Abiodun Akinrefon, declared that worshipping IJUGBE god of rain in Ile-Ife would boost the economy of the community.

He acknowledged the Ooni of Ife for resusitating the ignored deities in Ile-Ife which the foreigners cherish so much, saying that Obarese (IJUGBE) is the custodian of rain for mankind.

According to him, as the priests went to make sacrifice to Obarese at Idi-Aje shrine, rain that refused to fall for long in the ancient city started falling with immediate effect.

The Obalejugbe ascertained that Ijugbe festival led to heavy rainfall in Ile-Ife and failure to celebrate the diety annually causes scarcity of rain which led to famine on the land, while small Pox will be rampant and cause death in the town.

Also, the High Chief Oyarekun Oyaro, the Balogun of Famia who doubles as Oya priest attributed the rain that poured to the spiritual performance of Oya festival in Ile-Ife.

Oyaro said that the invoked rainfall gave a landmark for the beginning of planting and plenteous harvest.

He admonished the citizenry to value their tradition and culture, adding that they all have important roles to play in the life of mankind

Oya- Igunnuko/Alafere/Ijugbe festival is a transition festival to welcome raining season and all the nature associated with raining season - rain, wind, thunderstorm.

The festival is basically to show the workings of Olodumare and to make the season to be of high benefit to mankind. to bless the soil for multiple achievement during the season, and for the season not to become a calamity for the people.

The festival witnessed a heavy downpour with wind blowing and thunderstorm which lasted for 2hours to signal the commencement of the celebration.

While Ijugbe also known as Obarese is the deity of rainfall, Oya(Igunnuko) and Alafere are the co-deities of wind. They are all of ORANFE(Sango)'s family and were among the Yoruba's 401 deities that started the mankind.

UNWTO Statement on US Travel Ban

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations Specialized Agency for Tourism, expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation over the recently announced travel ban by the United States of America (USA) to nationals of seven countries (Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen).

The travel ban, based on nationality, is contrary to the principles of freedom of travel and travel facilitation promoted by the international tourism community and will hinder the immense benefits of the tourism sector brings in terms of economic growth and job creation to many countries, including the USA. 

“Global challenges demand global solutions and the security challenges that we face today should not prompt us to build new walls; on the contrary, isolationism and blind discriminatory actions will not lead to increased security but rather to growing tensions and threats”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“Besides the direct  impact, the image of a country which imposes travel bans in such a hostile way will surely be affected among visitors from all over the world and risk dumping travel demand to the USA” added Mr Rifai.

IATA seeks clarification on US executive order on travel

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has asked the United States Government to clarify the recent Executive Order issued on travelling into the country.

IATA said the order was issued without prior coordination or warning, causing confusion among both airlines and travellers.

The apex aviation body made this known in a statement released on its website and obtained in Lagos on Monday.

The Executive Order was signed by President Donald Trump on Jan. 27 amidst criticisms from opponents of his administration.

For 120 days, the order bars the entry of any refugee who is awaiting resettlement in the U.S. It also prohibits all Syrian refugees from entering the U.S. until further notice.

Additionally, it bans the citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries—Iraq, Iran, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen—from entering the U.S. on any visa category.

These countries were named in a 2016 law concerning immigration visas as “countries of concern.”

But the executive order also makes clear those seven countries are just a starting point for a likely broader ban.

The order exempts diplomats and members of international organizations from the ban.

The order also directs the secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a 30-day review to determine which countries do not provide “adequate information” for its citizens to be issued visas to enter the US.

Trump also stopped the admission of all refugees to the United States for four months.

However, IATA in the statement, said the order had changed entry requirements for the US immediately and significantly.

The statement said :”It also placed additional burdens on airlines to comply with unclear requirements, to bear implementation costs and to face potential penalties for non-compliance.

“We ask for early clarity from the US administration on the current situation.

“Moreover, we urge all governments to provide sufficient advance coordination of changes in entry requirements so that travelers can clearly understand them and airlines can efficiently implement them.​”

According to the statement, IATA is working with its 265 member airlines for safe, secure, efficient and sustainable global air transport links.

It said as a matter of principle, the organisation works for the free movement of trade and people across borders.

“IATA also recognises that states have the right and duty to protect their citizens by enforcing their borders.

“Where this has implications for air travel, we work with our member airlines to help them comply with these requirements efficiently and effectively.

“Global systems and procedures exist to support this activity. IATA’s Timatic online solution, for example, is a global database for travel document requirements.

” It is updated constantly and used by airlines and travel agents around the world.

“These systems can only support the efficient implementation of any government’s directives by the global air transport industry with advance coordination as well as with detailed and consistent operational information,” the statement said.  

Airline changes rosters on U.S. flights after Trump’s order

Emirates airline has changed pilot and flight attendant rosters on flights to the U.S. following the sudden U.S. travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries, the report said on Sunday.

However, it said that U.S. flights continue to operate as scheduled.

According to the report, “the world’s largest long-haul carrier, who flies daily to 11 U.S. cities, has made the necessary adjustments to our crewing to comply with the latest requirements”, Emirates spokesperson said.

President Donald Trump had on Friday temporarily suspended the entry of people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

According to the International Air Transport Association, “the decision caught airlines off guard.’’

The ban applies to pilots and flight attendants from the seven countries, even though all flight crew who are not U.S. citizens already needed a special visa to enter the country.

Another Emirates spokesperson said the impact of the ban on operations would be minimal.

The airline employs over 23,000 flight attendants and about four thousand pilots from around the world, including the U.S., Europe and the Middle East.

Meanwhile, an Etihad Airways spokesman said the airline has “taken steps to ensure there will be no issues for flights departing over the coming weeks.”

However, amid confusion over enforcing the ban, it is unclear if the ban applies to dual nationals who hold one passport from a country on the list and another from a non-U.S. country that is not.

Etihad said on its website that dual citizens could travel to the U.S. using their non-banned passport.

According to the report, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has told its members that the ban does not apply to dual nationals if they have a passport not on the list.

However, the Guardian reported on Saturday, quoting State Department officials, that dual nationals were banned.

Dubai-based Emirates and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways are both owned by the governments of the United Arab Emirates, a U.S. ally and Muslim-majority country.

Both carriers said they would continue to comply with the new rules on U.S. immigration but where possible would offer to refund or rebook affected passengers.

Emirates and Etihad have also said that passengers were affected by the ban over the weekend but their flight crews had not been impacted.

Qatar Airways declined to comment on the impact of the ban on flight operations.

Although, on Saturday, it issued a statement on its website that passengers would need a green card or diplomatic visa to enter the U.S. Emirates and Etihad issued similar statements.

Destruction of 190-year-old monument: FG vows to deal with collaborators

The Federal Government said that those who collaborated to demolish the 190 year- old “Olaiya House” in Lagos, declared as national monument in 1956, would be punished.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this on Sunday when he inspected the site of the demolished building at No 6, Alli and 2 Bamgbose streets, CMS, Lagos Island.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the minister was accompanied on the inspection by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, and Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Yusuf Abdallah.

According to the minister, the building was built by one of the slaves that returned from Brazil.

“This building in particular was unique because it chronicled the historical, cultural and social relationship between us and Brazil.

“It is like a living monument of our slave trade past. It was a monument that exhibited the Brazilian architecture at that time, which is rare to come by anywhere in the world.

“As far back as 1956, the Federal Government acquired this property as a national monument and it was gazetted.

“The idea was that the building was so unique and the government would not want the family to change or rebuild it because it is history itself,” he said.

He recalled that when government declared the building as national monument, arrangement was made with the family on how to maintain the place and there were several meeting held between the two parties.

The minister said that there was no reason, except greed, that could have propelled any developer into demolishing the building.

“We cannot equate money with our past history and legacy because a people without history will perish very fast.

“This building is a remembrance of what our ancestors went through in slavery and how they triumph, came back and they showed that they were well-to-do.

“It is worth billions of dollars because it symbolised our past.

“We have the responsibility to preserve our past and culture so that our children unborn will come here and see what they are like.

“We all go to London and Paris to see their monuments. If those people had destroyed their own culture, architecture and heritage, what then will we be going there to see?,” he queried.

Mohammed assured that whoever destroyed the building would be fished out, no matter how long it would take to do so.

The minister debunked the claim that the structure was weak, adding that the government would take over the defence of the civil suit filed by the developer.

.He continued: “You cannot go to court now and say that because the structure has been destroyed, the land should go back to the owner.

“We are ready to meet them in court and one thing I can assure you is that nobody can benefit from his own crime,” he said.

He said government had the picture of the house, and that when they were through with the civil case, government would rebuild the structure.

Speaking on the issue, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Owoseni, said when the building was demolished, he immediately ordered the Area Commander to look for the developer but they said he was very sick and on admission in the hospital.

“When something is gazetted, the gazette becomes an Act and whosoever does a thing contrary to the gazette and its content, it becomes an offence,” he said.

He advised that the site be sealed-up to prevent illegal trading on the plot.

On the issue of the ‘Angel’ on top of the demolished building allegedly stolen by the family, the commissioner advised the National Museum to write a petition.

He said the Police could not take action because the case was already in court.

The Angel was said to be an antiquity and by the provision of the law, only the National Museum has the statutory powers to deal with antiquity.

Earlier, Mr Eric Awobuyide, a member of the Olaiya family who briefed the minister on the demolition, said the building had attracted many tourists from different parts of the world.

“Recently the Brazilian authority came and they held a dinner in respect of this. Prof Wole Soyinka and other prominent people attended the dinner,” he said.

He said some members of the family who leased out the building to developer had made several attempts to demolish the building but he resisted.

He added that on the fateful day the building was brought down, he was not around.

Bwari Tourist Village: NTDC signs MOU with ITC

In furtherance of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the development of tourism in Nigeria, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with International Tourist Choice Limited, to build a world class Tourist Village at Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

The Acting Director-General of the corporation, Mrs. Mariel Rae-Omoh, in her speech expressed optimism about the project, which according to her, will create jobs, wealth and bring in deluge of foreign tourists to Nigeria.

Rae-Omoh restated her commitment to ensuring a good relationship with the private sector and stakeholders in the Nigerian tourism industry, explaining that public private partnership will propel rapid development and promotion of the revenue-spinning sector.

The acting NTDC boss, who lauded the commitment of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and facilitator of the Bwari International Tourist Village project, Mr. Trust Henry Ogboi, noted that NTDC and ICT managements would meet every six month to appraise the progress of the project.

Acting Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Mariel Rae-Omoh (second left), exchanging the MOU the corporation signed with the International Tourist Choice Limited (ITC), with the MD/CEO of ITC and facilitator of the Bwari International Tourist Village project, Mr. Trust Henry Ogboi. With them are the NTDC Director, Legal, Mrs. Mrs Funebi Omondak (left) and the Administration Manager of ITC.

Ogboi, earlier in his speech, commended the readiness of the Rae-Omoh led-administration to work closely with the private sector and stakeholders in the Nigerian tourism industry.

He stressed that the Bwari Tourism Village project is not for the people of Bwari Local Government Area and the FCT alone, but for the whole country and the world at large.

The International Tourist Choice Limited boss disclosed that the Tourist Village, when completed, will embolden Nigeria’s name on the world tourism map.

Ogboi further said that the tourist village will serve as a cultural liaison office for states in the country and nations in the world.

He assured that the partnership with NTDC will ensure speed in the completion of the project, adding that “the Chairman of Bwari Local Government Area, Hon. Musa Dikko, has reduced the period for the completion of the project from five to three years.

Contained in the MOU signed at the NTDC headquarters in Abuja is that the corporation will partner with ITC to ensure the tourism village is built to a standard that will meet the international best practices, in a bid to making Nigeria the preferred tourism destination in Africa.

Clearly spelt out in the MOU also, is that NTDC will offer technical and administrative support, while ITC will attract sponsors, fund and ensure its successful completion.

Presidential Committee on Tourism, key to Implementation of Tourism Master Plan-FTAN

The Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), says the Presidential Committee on Tourism (PCT) is key to the implementation of Nigerian Tourism Master Plan.

FTAN’’s President, Chief Tomi Akingbogun said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

“The Information and Culture Minister did well to resuscitate the PCT where the president of the country is expected to sit and deliberate on issues on the development of tourism.

“Though his Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to sit with the committee; this committee remains instrumental to moving Nigerian tourism sector to the next level.

“However, it is very important that the president sits with the committee; even if he is not going to attend all the time, his attendance will give the body the driving force to get tourism on the go,’’he said.

In terms of providing the sector with the requisite infrastructure, Akingbogun added that the minister was up to the task.

“The minister is very proactive; he knows that he cannot tell the minister of works to do a road to a tourist site in a community.

“The president is the only one that can say `for us to get Ogbunike Cave to attract one million visitors in a year, the minister of works should do the road.

“The minister of works will then get in touch with the Anambra State governor and work will start; so that is why they say tourism is inter-ministerial,’’ Akingbogun said.

On the issuance of visa for prospective tourists, the FTAN president told NAN that the relevant ministry would have to rely on a directive from the president to address the issue.

He stressed that it was only the president that could say “look, I don’t want the issuance of visas to visitors to be more than five minutes’ and such would be done without delay.

“So for the implementation of the Nigerian Tourism Master Plan, the PCT has to start sitting with the president.

“I am positive that the president will do that because that is the only way to get tourism moving; we have waited for ten years to get to a point that we want to start now.

“A lot of money was spent on the Tourism Master Plan, so we cannot afford to sit for too long, especially at the time of economic recession.

“We have been saying that tourism has the potential to replace revenue from oil; this is the time to act now; I believe that when the PCT starts sitting, tourism will excel,’’ Akingbogun submitted.

NAN reports that the Nigerian Tourism Master Plan was drafted more than ten years ago with assistance from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

The PCT, which has been dormant for many years, has been resuscitated by the minister, Mohammed.  

Nigerians more familiar with UK’s sport, history — British Airways’ survey

Nigerians are more familiar with UK sports and history than their European counterparts, says a survey conducted by the British Airways (BA) in 2016.

Mr Kola Olayinka, the Regional Commercial Manager West Africa at British Airways, said this on Tuesday in a statement he made available to newsmen in Lagos.

It was released through the Quandrant MSLGROUP, the Public Relations outfit that handles British Airways’ media affairs.

“Sport, culture and history are certainly among the reasons to visit London and a British Airways 2016 survey of 4 000 travellers found that Nigerians are more familiar with UK;s sport and history than their European counterparts.

“With up to 14 flights a week, we are offering more seats to London from Nigeria than we ever have before.

“These include seven weekly B777 services to and from Lagos and seven weekly B777 flights to and from Abuja.

“There are up to 14 flights a week to Heathrow from Lagos and Abuja,” he said.

He said these flight schedules would afford Nigerians the opportunities to attend the Chelsea Flower Show and watch the FA Cup Final.

The airline also said that in addition to London, Rome, New York , Paris, Los Angeles and New Orleans were other top destinations for Nigerian travellers in 2017.

He said that intending Nigerian passengers would see fascinating and historic places and events in those cities.

He said that the ticket fare to London would start from $705.

Olayinka said that intending passengers to Paris during spring and summer would participate in the French Open at Roland-Garros amongst others.

He said that the fares would be from $812, adding this also goes for those intending to travel to Rome through BA in 2017.

Olayinka said that intending travellers to New York would long to visit the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

“For the more musically inclined Carnegie Hall is going off-site this season with a new production of West Side Story set in a restored factory in Queens.

“The Lincoln Center’s Columbus Circle base is headlining jazz at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and is hosting late-night sessions with up-and-coming artists.

Olayinka said that the special fares to New York start at $962.

Also, the fares to Los Angeles noted for its burgeoning film business would be from $1,467.

According to him, New Orleans made the list for the first time because many people had begun visiting to enjoy the Mardi Gras parades which started in January and would end on Feb 28 for $1,432.

Olayinka advised intending travellers to make their bookings before end of January by visiting : britishairways.com or their travel agents for further information.

He said that there were also interesting fares available in premium economy and business classes.

All fares are exclusive of taxes, fees and carrier-imposed charges and may fluctuate due to currency exchange, he said.  

5,140 tourists visited first storey building in Nigeria in 2016-says official

The first storey building in Nigeria located in Badagry, Lagos State, recorded 5,140 visitors from January to December 2016.

The facility manager of the site, Mr Hodonu, Daniel told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry that the tourists that visited the 171-year-old- structure in 2016 were higher than the corresponding years.

NAN reports that the foundation of the building was laid in 1842 and construction work on the building was completed in 1845.

“We have been able to attract more tourists to this site because of the proper maintenance of the place and we have been able to preserve its originality.

“In year 2015, those that visited the site were 3,457 but we were able to increase the number due to the historic nature of this site.

“The peak period is usually during Christmas, New Year, Easter, Sallah and whenever students are in session,” he said.

He said that Nigerians should be more patriotic in visiting the various monuments in the country.

“Nigerians should imbibe the habit of visiting the various museums and monuments in the country in order to boost tourism development in the country.

“Students patronise the building more than others and that isn’t good enough,” he said.

He urged the Federal Government to support the management in giving the building a facelift noting that it was only the Anglican Church that had been carrying out that task.

The Year Ahead: harnessing the power of tourism to build a better world-- Taleb Rifai

Dear friends,

I write to you as I begin my final year as UNWTO Secretary-General, a position I have been privileged to hold for almost seven years at an Agency I have been proud to serve for the past decade.

During this time I have seen tourism become one of the world’s most important and impactful socio-economic sectors of our times. I have seen its growing relevance to the lives of millions around the world, to the preservation of our common values and to greater understanding among people of all walks of life.

I have seen increasing commitment from the international community, with many countries realizing the potential for tourism to become a pillar of their development. This commitment is attested to by the inclusion of tourism in the universal 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed upon by 193 nations in 2015.

And now I am very privileged and grateful to be celebrating 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The UN General Assembly’s decision to dedicate 2017 to tourism’s contribution to sustainable and inclusive growth was no coincidence. Tourism is increasingly and rightly being recognized as a sector that can help usher in a better world.

2017 is a unique opportunity for us to promote the contribution of tourism to achieving the future we want – and also to determine, together, the exact role we will have tourism play in the sustainable development agenda, to and beyond 2030.

Of course, many challenges remain before our sector. Yet if there is one thing I will always remember from my time in this captivating and rewarding sector, it is that tourism is a sector of hope. Not only is it one of the most resilient economic sectors, but it also unites people across backgrounds, cultures and continents every day. Through travel, we gain understanding, tolerance, and empathy for our fellow man – essential in the globalization era, where our global village can only prosper through harmonious living.

The tremendous hope that our sector provides should inspire us all to act for the good of people and planet. Together we can be the change we want to see.

Let us all remember that whatever we do in life; our core business is to make this world a better place.

I wish you a very happy International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017.

Taleb Rifai

Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

Residents, fun seekers want improvement in Calabar Carnival

Residents of Calabar and fun seekers have called on organisers of the annual Calabar Carnival to improve on the various aspects of the event.

A cross section of the residents, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Calabar were reacting to the criticisms that trailed the timing and other aspects of this year’s carnival.

A resident, Mr Jude Ochala, told NAN that some aspects of the carnival were no longer in conformity with what he used to know.

“The timing of the different bands is becoming boring and unattractive.

“In time past, before 8 p.m, almost all the bands would have completed their parade along the carnival routes which gives residents and fun seekers a sense of joy and excitement.

“Then they would retire to the stadium where the panel of Judges would pick the various winners.

“But in the 2015 and this year’s carnival, the bands were still on the streets up till 4a.m.  in the morning.

“Those who were supposed to watch them had waited and gone back home to sleep disappointedly, ‘’ he said.

Miss Isabel Ruth, who came from Ogoja to watch the parade, said she was unable to watch them because of the lateness.

“I came from Ogoja with my friend to watch the carnival but we only succeeded in seeing two of them after waiting for several hours. We had to retire home.

“The bands were parading until midnight; I do not think it is fair. They should start early so that people can watch them and have a feeling of joy in the whole thing, ‘’she said.

In the same vein, a tourist from Anambra, Mr Morris Igwe, said he missed the opportunity of watching the bands because he was afraid of staying late in the night.

“I had to hurriedly rush back to my hotel room when it was close to 9 p.m.

“I watched one in the day time and another band came something past 7  p.m. and after waiting for the next two hours without any other band, I retired back to my hotel.

“Calabar carnival to me still stands out as the best in the country but If they really want people to enjoy the carnival, the organisers should make it early enough.

“I was told that the governor did not flag-off the event on time, hence the delay but I think there is need for adjustment, ‘’ he said.

A beautician, Mrs Elizabeth Archibong, further stressed the need for the organiS0ers to harmonise the various events and give enough publicity to enable people follow the events as they unfold.

“There was a lot of guess work during this year’s carnival.  I do not think that is right. The events should be clearly spelt out so that people can follow even from their homes, ‘’ she said.

FG TO MAKE KEY FESTIVALS ATTRACTIVE TO DOMESTIC, FOREIGN TOURISTS - MINISTER

 The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the Federal Government is working with the private sector to make major festivals in the country attractive to domestic and foreign tourists and to leapfrog the events to the top cadre of global festivals.

 He made the disclosure in Offa, Kwara State, on Thursday at the 2016 edition of the ''Íjakadi Festival'', a traditional wrestling event that dates back to the 14th century.

 The Minister, who was represented by Mr. Raphael Arulogun, General Manager of NTA Ilorin, said the starting point is to train the managers of the festivals, which include the Ijakadi Festival

 ''As you may be aware, the training of Festival Managers is contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that we signed with the British Council.. Also included in another MoU which we signed with the Tony Elumelu Foundation is the need to ensure that festivals like Ijakadi are not just a mere jamboree but also a source of economic empowerment for the people, in terms of injecting foreign exchange into the economy and creating jobs, especially for the communities in which such festivals are situated,'' he said.

 Alhaji Mohammed said the beneficiaries of the partnership with the private sector would include major festivals like the Abuja Carnival, which will be made to achieve their full potentials and become household names like the Edinburgh International Festivals, the Rio Carnival in Brazil and the Notting Hill Festival in London, adding: ''Our ultimate aim is to ensure that our festivals are among the top 20 festivals in the world.''

 He announced that in order to allow prospective visitors to Nigeria to plan their trips around our festivals, ''we will be releasing, early in the New Year, a Calendar of Festivals across the country. Once this is done, a tourist coming to Nigeria can then plan his or her trip around any of the festivals. We believe that this is one of the best ways to attract global visitors to our festivals and help to make them viable entities,''

 The Minister hailed the organizers of the ''Ijakadi Festival'' for reviving and sustaining the age-long event which, he said, not only reinforces the community’s tradition of strength and determination, but also addresses the notion of equality among all the indigenes of Offa.

Ambode restates commitment to making Badagry hub of tourism in Africa

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday said that his administration would ensure that Badagry becomes the hub of tourism and resort enterprises in Africa.

Ambode said this at the `One Lagos Fiesta’ which took place at the Badagry Grammar School in Badagry, Lagos State.

He added that his administration would ensure that the town becomes a flashpoint for development projects in the state.

“This administration is determined to transform this ancient city into a tourism hub that would attract so many international people to this great city.

 “The six-lane road construction would further boost its economic activities and let’s not forget the seaport that would soon be developed in the town in the nearest future.

“Our eyes are set on Badagry and we are doing things for the future because we intend to open up Badagry forever,” he said.

Ambode commended the turnout of people at the event.

“I have been to two different events but I must commend the turnout here because it is the largest and the best that I have witnessed so far.

“This goes to show that people here are committed in moving the state forward and I’m so excited and glad about that,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the artistes that performed at the all-nite fiesta were; Mayorkun, Olu Maintain, CDQ, Dremo and Ara, amongst others.

Slave Trade Museum, Badagry 

Whispering Palm resort , Badagry 

NTDC gets a new Acting DG

A new Acting Director General has been named for the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC). She is Mrs. Mariel Rae – Omoh. She takes over from the former acting DG Boniface Ebuka, who last month was first appointed into the position following the sack of the former DG, Mrs. Sally Uwechue – Mbanefo by the Federal Government.

This latest development was conveyed in a letter dated December 28 and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Culture, Mrs. Ayotunde, Adesugba, to Mrs. Rae – Omoh, to the effect that she has been appointed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, as the acting DG of NTDC with immediate effect.

Until her new elevation, Mrs. Rae – Omoh, was the director of Hospitality and Travel Trade. A graduate of Tourism and Management Studies (AN) Italy, Higher National Diploma (HND) in Tourism and Hotel Administration, she is a thoroughbred professional, who aside working in an international branded hotel in Nigeria, has spent most of her entire career life in NTDC where she has held various positions and responsibilities, including serving as the Zonal Coordinator of the former Calabar Zonal Office of NTDC.

Although no reasons were adduced for the change in leadership of the corporation given that Ebuka was less than one month in the office, sources however, said it may have been related to an error in the first appointment as Mrs. Rae – Omoh is believed to have been the most senior staff of the corporation but was initially overlooked for Ebuka.

 

13 Countries ,22 states participate in Calabar Carnival 2016

Not less than 13 countries including the United Kingdom, Croatia ,South Korea,China among others participating in the 2016 Calabar Carnival.

The Chairman,Cross River state Carnival, Mr Gabe Onah disclosed this at the Millennium park ,venue of the flag of the 2016 Calabar carnival.

Onah said that 13 countries and 22 states were among the participants in thus years edition of Africa's largest street party.

"We have 13 countries and 22 states participating in this years edition.It shows how big the Calabar carnival has becomes as the attention of the world is drawn to Calabar ,we have grown bigger and better as have remained consistent for 12 years. The bands will move round the 12 kilometer carnival routes entertaining people".