Stakeholders on Monday commended the Lagos State Government for creating a platform in which they could discuss problems and prospects of the industry.
They spoke during the Lagos State Tourism Summit with the theme “Destination Lagos: Towards a Sustainable Tourism-Driven Economy” at Eko Hotels and Suites.
President, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Rabo Saleh, said that the summit was a right step in the right direction.
He commended Lagos State Government for engaging various stakeholders in the industry for the summit.
“This is a great idea, giving opportunity to stakeholders to express their views and to contribute towards the development of tourism in the state.
“Lagos State is a pacesetter, once they start something great, other states follow,” he said.
Saleh said that there were lots of opportunities in the industry yet untapped, and such a summit would open the eyes of investors to them.
He said that the government cannot do it alone; hence it requires public-private partnership.
President, Directors Guild of Nigeria, Fred Amata, said the Nigerian government, for too long, had undermined the power of tourism but everyone had now woken up from their slumber.
He also called for more of such summits, where stakeholders would be invited from across the world, to increase knowledge on ways to move the industry forward.
“This is a brilliant one but should be done frequently and more international tourism stakeholders should be invited for subsequent editions,” he said.
Fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba, said that such a summit should be organised twice a year, as it was an opportunity to promote Lagos’ rich culture in food, attire, and music, among others.
“Lagos State as the centre of excellence is laying good example for other states to ensure the nation’s tourism industry is taken to the next level.
“With this summit, I believe great feats will be achieved in years to come in Lagos State,” he said.
Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, expressed excitement over the outcome of the summit, saying it would help government and stakeholders to plan adequately, having known where the shoes pinch.
He said that tourism practitioners were also encouraged to invest more in the industry because huge confidence had been developed with the summit.
“This is an indication that both government and stakeholders will go back to the drawing board to do things rightly for the growth of both inbound and outbound tourism.
“We all know that whoever fails to plan is planning to fail, and it is only a stupid man that will believe that he will wake up and become a billionaire without structures and plans in place.
“This is the first thing to do if results must be seen; planning is important and that is what we are doing now,” he said.
President, Nigerian Tour Guides Association, Anago Osho, also commended the effort of the state government in putting the summit together.
He urged the state government to ensure such summit was organised every three months, because it served as an opportunity for stakeholders to air their challenges, while solutions are jointly proffered to such problems.
“I’m happy to be part of this summit and for such brilliant initiative by the Lagos State Government, but we must have this frequently for positive results to be achieved,” he said.
Filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, appreciated the Lagos State Government for the initiative, saying it would bridge the gap between movie producers and consumers also other fields of tourism.
“This is a good one, and it will bridge the gap between the consumers and producers in the tourism value chain,” he said.
Also, Jide Kosoko, a veteran actor, commended Lagos State Government for such developmental plans on tourism sector in the state.
He said that it was indeed a laudable initiative.
“The government has gotten it right with the tourism master plan.
“This is a welcoming development/idea; the government is ready for tourism business now.
“The government wants to commercialise tourism sector, which is good for economic development.
“The summit is to enlighten visitors and several stakeholders on how tourism assets can be maximised and utilised for economic growth,” he said.
