Speakers, stakeholders push for viable sector at NHTIC 2015

Speakers, stakeholders push for viable sector at NHTIC 2015

… as Jonel prepares for another edition

An array of high profile speakers and stakeholder who participated at the 2015 edition of the Nigeria Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference have charged both government and private sector on more concerted efforts at making the tourism and hospitality sector count in the Nigerian economy.

At the conference, which held from November 25-27, 2015 at Intercontinental Hotel Lagos, the speakers noted that now is the right time to show more commitment and action at diversifying the Nigerian economy and using tourism as a sure alternative to oil, especially now that the global oil price is falling.

As expected three-day conference went beyond paper presentation to offering veritable platforms for networking, interaction and exchanges among participants who were eager to learn new, discover new trends and also implement resolutions arrived at the conference for the growth of their businesses.

From the first paper entitled: Macro-Economic Overview, Sam Ohuabunwa, founder, SOFEE, thoroughly explore the country’s economic outlook, giving insight to would-be investors on how to go about their investments across the country and also meeting their expected investment objectives.

Placing the country against the rest of the world, Ohuabunwa noted that despite the challenges of doing business in the country, Nigeria is still an investment heaven because of the high return on investment.

However, the picture became clearer when Trevor Ward, managing director, W Hospitality Group, exposed the growth and investment potential of the Nigerian hotel and tourism market. Ward gave detailed study on the hospitality hot spots, supply gaps and key segments with potential growth which would-be investors should look out for among others.

Moreover, Ward’s figure-based presentation was more convincing and enlightening as questions that followed later reflected the gray areas that bother must investors.

Also Laura Alakija, managing associate, Sterling Partnership, assured the participants and would-be investors the safety of the investment with her presentation on the Regulatory Framework in Nigeria: How can this be made easier for investors.

From the government perspective, Cross River State Carnival Commission led by Gab Onah, the chairman, unveiled the efforts at making the state the foremost tourism destination in West Africa. Onah noted that over time, the state has grown its craft, skills and even passion that have sustained the carnival, and other related businesses. also speaking, Justina Ovat, principal consultant, Calabar Hospitality House Limited, noted that the increasing traffic to the state, especially during festive season, offers limitless opportunities for more investments hotels, resorts, tours and related businesses. Moderated by Obinna Emelike, tourism, editor of BusinessDay, the Cross River State session at the conference ended with a formal invitation by Onah to the audience to participate in this year’s carnival.

There were other sessions featuring paper presentations on topical issues affecting the industry. The likes of Andrew McLachlan, vice president, Carlson Rezidor, Mark Martinovic, CEO, Hotel Partners Africa, Samuel Alabi, legal adviser, Eko Hotel and Suites, Rosana Forsuelo, provost, Wavecrest College of Hospitality among others enlightened the audience with their various paper presentations that truly made the conference worth participating.

Earlier at his welcome remarks, Brian Efa, managing partner, Jonel Hospitality Consulting, organisers of the conference, noted that the theme this year; ‘Nigeria’s Tourism Industry-Catalyst for Economy Diversification’, was purposely meant to highlight the challenges of operating in Nigeria, opportunities and prospects of the industry and plans to in place to secure increased investment in the sector the three-five years.

Efa commended the quality speakers and their insightful presentations, the participants that made the conference well-attended, and promised a more impacting edition in 2016.

Organised in partnership with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and with the endorsement of defunct Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, NHTIC, is an annual event of the international level aimed at promoting the hotel and tourism business in Nigeria, and the West African 

Holiday travel: airline advises passengers on packing

Emirates is reminding all passengers to check the permitted list of carry-on and checked-in items for safe and undisrupted travel this holiday season.

To ensure the safety of passengers and crew, spare lithium batteries used for electronic devices such as cameras, mobiles phones and laptops are restricted from checked-in baggage. A popular item containing lithium batteries is the smart balance wheels also known as ‘hover boards’. Emirates restricts all smart balance wheels – with or without lithium batteries removed - from checked-in or carry-on luggage.

“With the upcoming holiday season, we expect many passengers to be carrying gifts for their loved ones including the popular smart balance wheels. We prioritise the safety of our passengers and crew, and regret we will not accept these as part of checked-in baggage or as hand luggage. We urge all our customers to check the full list of restricted items before travelling for safe and undisrupted travels,” said Mohammed Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President – Airport Services.

All liquids, gels and aerosols, pastes, lotions, creams, drinks and other items of similar consistency must be in containers with a capacity no greater than 100ml. Those carried in containers larger than 100ml will not be accepted, even if the container is only partially filled.

As with any busy travel period, Emirates is advising customers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before flight departure, and plan extra time to get to the airport. Early check-in is available at the normal counters from six hours before departure and from car park check-in counters from six to 24 hours before departure.

Customers are also encouraged to check-in online or use the convenient Self Service Kiosks and then the baggage drop facilities to expedite their airport experience. Those checking in online are required to check in their luggage no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. Customers holding an e-boarding pass and travelling with carry-on bags only, can proceed directly to passport control and security clearance.

Customers who check-in less than 60 minutes to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted. Boarding on all flights begins 45 minutes prior to departure, and gates close 20 minutes before take-off. These time checks will ensure the minimisation of delays and missed connections.

Media, tourism stakeholders gather in Tunisia

More than 300 participants convened in Tunis for the 4th UNWTO International Conference on ‘Tourism and the Media’. The event, held in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts of Tunisia, counted with the support of CNN International.

Over twenty countries were represented at the 4th UNWTO International Conference ‘Tourism and the Media’ that took place in Tunis under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts of Tunisia.

«The creation of new partnerships between tourism and media is an excellent opportunity for dialogue. Tourism, as does the media, has the noble mission of making people travel around the world, bringing cultures closer together and promoting the values of tolerance and solidarity ” said the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts of Tunisia, Salma Elloumi Rekik.

“Media constitute major stakeholders for the tourism sector, not only in terms of disseminating information, but also with regard to connecting with the public to promote a better understanding of the sector and the principles of sustainable tourism development.” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, opening the Conference.

Talking about Tunisia he added “Tunisia is an example to the world in the way it is consolidating its democracy, as recognized by the recent award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the National Dialogue Quartet. Tunisia is also a destination of excellence and a long-term leader in the region and the world. We at UNWTO are fully confident in the ability of Tunisia’s tourism sector to overcome the current challenges and regain momentum”.

“Accuracy, responsibility and transparency are the framework in which we, the journalists, should operate,” said Jim Bittermann, CNN anchor and key note speaker at the Conference.

Bridging the gap

Sanam Shantyaei, from France 24, emphasized that “journalists need to be approached by those working in the tourism sector in an appropriate manner and with adequate resources as media constitutes the main channel to the general public.”

In that sense, the impact of media was underlined by most of the speakers, like Taieb Zahar, Director of the Tunisian magazine ‘Réalités’ who stated that “the work of journalists currently has a great impact in the image and positioning of countries.”

Communicating in times of crisis was also addressed during the Conference with participants stressing the need for professional coverage but also access to information and facilitation of resources from tourism authorities in a timely manner.

In that regard, Mr Richard Barnes, Editor-in-Chief at Cleverdis gave some recommendations to parties involved in the tourism sector. “Tourism authorities should look to the different channels to reach media, not only through press releases, for instance. If they communicate with the tourism agencies, they will reach also the general public and this will be a great plus for the country,” he said.

As the Conference aimed at fostering a new framework of interaction with the media, a number of recommendations were emphasized through the different debates and exchanges. Among those, “be credible, close, on target, available, transparent, realistic, a facilitator, useful to and respectful of the media angle” were underlined.

“Media is the best partner that you can have, so do not be afraid of the media as journalists are the best catalyzer of your work”, concluded Mr Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary General closing the event.

US big five offer something for everyone

Africa’s favourite big five cities in the United States, according to British Airways’ customers, are New York, Washington, Boston, Los Angeles and Miami.

“These are the US cities that most of our African customers either visit or would like to visit,” explains Paolo Derenzis, British Airways commercial manager, Middle East and Africa.

New York is the archetypal fast-paced, globally influential centre of finance, fashion, art and culture and one of the most popular points of entry for business and holiday travellers alike.

Getting there has become even easier since British Airways’ joint business with American Airlines and US Airways, with a choice of flights nearly every hour. Frequent flyers can earn and redeem Avios across all three carriers. Members of the On Business programme are able to use their reward points or earn more on both British Airways and American Airlines’ services.

The seat of government, Washington DC, is a compact city, which even for first-time visitors can seem familiar. This is because its imposing neoclassical monuments and buildings feature so prominently in news reports, television shows and movies. Its iconic buildings include the ones that house the three branches of the federal government: The White House, the Capitol and Supreme Court.

Further north, Boston is characterised by its history and old-world charm. The Freedom Trail is a must-do for any visitor. This 2.5 mile walk takes in the historic sites where some of the significant events took place that led to the American War of Independence and ultimately the founding of the United States.

Across the country, sprawling, vibrant Los Angeles, America’s second-largest city remains a favourite destination for holidaymakers, movie aficionados and deal-hungry executives, particularly those in the entertainment and technology industries. It was one of the first cities to which British Airways began operating its A380, a flight dubbed the ‘red carpet service’.

Miami is holiday central. Its sub-tropical climate makes for ideal year-round beach weather and the Port of Miami is known as the cruise capital of the world. It’s one of the preferred embarkation points for people joining Caribbean cruises. There are 14 flights a week to Miami from Terminal five and British Airways has just introduced one if it’s new A380s on the route. American Airlines offers 14 weekly services departing from Terminal 3.

Kenya woo Nigerian tourists

By Jimoh Babatunde

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has continued to showcase the country's tourism attractions to Nigerians as the board in collaboration with Kenya Airways and KQ Holidays met with trade partners in Lagos recently.

Speaking at the forum, the Marketing Officer - Africa, Kenya Tourism Board, Betty Ingwe disclosed that the KTB is set to market Kenya as one of the foremost tourist destinations for the Nigerian market.

Betty Ingwe explained that the meeting with Nigerian stakeholders which started in Abuja is an opportunity to sell Kenya to Nigerians .

"Kenya is a great destination year round. Kenya is where you can experience a different safari every day. The country offers an endless array of activities for travellers", Ingwe said.

She noted that in the last five months that Kenya Tourism Board has held trainings for Nigerian tour operators and other trade partners who will be working with an arm of the board, Kenya Holidays in Lagos to sell Kenya as a preferred destination, “outside Kenya, Nigeria is the only country with an office of the Kenya Holidays, which shows the importance of Nigeria market to us.”

Betty Ingwe added that Kenya as the heart of African tourism market has cutting edge tourist attractions such as; the ultimate safari experience, wide beast migration between July and October every year, white pinstripe beaches, rich wildlife experiences and a very developed destination for golfers with 40 world class golf courses.

While adding that Kenya offers 99% Halal food for Muslims, she said KTB offers tourists the Magical Kenya App which is specifically designed to make the visitor’s experience more flawless, “the mobile application strengthens the tourist arrivals to the country by providing tourists a platform in which they can get all the relevant information about Kenya at their fingertip.”

Ingwe added “ Kenya has six UNESCO Heritage sites, international shopping malls, elephant sanctuary and availability of affordable quality education in institutions of higher learning.

Speaking at the parley, Kenya Visa Consular in Lagos, Karlus Maluta advise that tourists should not allow terrorists to define their way of life as the country is safe for tourists as the government has taken all necessary and preventive steps against terrorist attacks.

He added that the government has made it easy to secure the country visa for tourists as they have introduced an online visa service platform .

NCPC LAUNCHES THE FOURTH BATCH OF ITS PILGRIMAGE OPERATIONS

The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, John Kennedy opera has disclosed that the Commission had commenced the Fourth batch of its ongoing pilgrimage operations to Israel, Rome and Greece. He disclosed this in Abuja recently while briefing newsmen in his office.

According to the NCPC boss, the Commission formally commenced the October-December Pilgrimage on 17th October, 2015 and successfully concluded the third batch of its operations on 24th November, 2015 and on the same day commenced the fourth batch of airlift of pilgrims to the Holy Land.

He also informed that the Committees on Foreign Affairs of both Senate and House of Representatives would be travelling next week to Israel to carry out their oversight functions.

The NCPC helmsman further stressed that the skills Acquisition programme of the Commission was on course as the programme would expose the pilgrims in the area of exportable Agriculture. He described Israel as a “nation blessed in human capital” and as such would want the pilgrims to tap the blessings from Israel.

Mr. Opara further stated that the focus of the Commission in this year’s pilgrimage exercise is on self sponsorship. He stressed that the central thrust of the Commission is to use pilgrimage as a tool for moral transformation and spiritual Rebirth. He also disclosed that the inaugural flight for intending pilgrims to Rome and Greece would be on 24th November, 2015.

He was hopeful that the pilgrimage this year would be one of the best ever organized by the Commission. The No1 Pilgrim Officer of the Federation also disclosed that the Commission’s Christian pilgrimage lottery Scheme would commence next year. He added that the scheme would add value to the efforts of the government and would be at no cost to the state or federal government.

On the issue of Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the State of Israel, the NCPC boss explained that the federal Government is determined to ensure its activation as soon as possible.

He posited that with the activation of the agreement signed in 2013, it would lessen the problem of having to travel for long hours to Israel and it would also boost the economy of both nations.

NCPC Media.

FG to review aviation policy ... Minister

By Yakubu Dati

The Civil Aviation Policy would be reviewed in order to accommodate the planned policies of this government which would include a Master Plan to reform institutions, airports (domestic and international hubs) and national airlines, to provide domestic and international services.

The Minister of State, Aviation, Sen Hadi Sirika stated this during the ICAO 2015 World Aviation Forum holding in Montreal, Canada, 23 - 25 November 2015.

According to the Minister, "Nigeria, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, will continue to upgrade and develop aviation infrastructure to improve aviation safety and security, thus creating an enabling environment for growth of airlines and other service providers, as well as protecting the interest of aviation end-users.”

In a keynote address, the ICAO President, Dr Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu said it was a key goal for the organization to assist member States to the fullest extent, possible with respect to the implementation of ICAO standards and policies.

He added "Only in this way can we ensure that 'No Country is Left Behind' and optimize the socio-economic benefits which derive from safe, secure, and reliable air transport in Africa, fully in line with local needs and expectations."

The Canadian Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau welcomed delegates and solicited greater collaboration and understanding among nations and peoples of the world.

Several speakers including the Colombian Minster of Transport, the Secretary General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), DG of the European Commission as well as China and the US emphasized the connection between the effective implementation of global aviation standards and policies and the social and economic benefits.

The high powered Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of State, Aviation included the Canadian Acting Ambassador, Ja'afar Mohammed Balarabe, Directors from the Ministry of Aviation and CEOs of aviation parastatals who provided technical support.

The Forum drew participants from 99 countries on its first day.

Yakubu Dati

General Manager

Corporate Affairs