NTDC partners Airline operators on MyAbujaWeekend project

In furtherance of his commitment to promote domestic tourism in Nigeria, Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr. Folorunsho Coker, would be partnering airline operators on affordable fair.

Coker, who spoke while receiving the Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria, Mr. Nogie Meggison, on a courtesy visit, maintained that affordable air travel is key in building tourism economy. He added that to encourage Nigerians to take holidays or weekend break within the country, there was need for a strong synergy with airline operators.

For the D.G, one of the major ways of promoting domestic tourism was to explore packaged tours and digital technology to drive the consumption of the tourism assets in the country.

“That is the reason NTDC finds it important to establish a strategic partnership with airline operators of Nigeria to create affordable air fares within inclusive packages.

In order to boost domestic tourism, we seek discounted weekend airline tickets to Abuja to propel the success of MyAbujaWeekend Project.

“This will further encourage travel businesses while promoting hospitality and tourism services in the capital city of Nigeria”, he said.

On how to drive domestic tourism, NTDC boss identified transportation, accommodation and entertainment as major components of tourism, which he said, would be explored in partnership with the airlines, hotels, car hire services, tour operators and other stakeholders to move the country’s tourism sector forward.

Coker therefore sought the cooperation of everyone in the tourism value chain, including states, local governments as well as the private sector, to work together towards driving the market with a new brand – TOUR NIGERIA.

In his response, Meggison expressed the commitment and willingness of the association to partner NTDC, towards an aggressive promotion of tourism in Nigeria.

“The practice everywhere in the world is for the airlines to be at the forefront of driving tourism and Nigeria should not be an exception. We are ready to work with you in driving the tourism industry forward,” he said.