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‘Tourism, transport sectors are critical for Nigeria’s economic development’

By Chuks Nwanne
25 May 2019   |   4:10 am
The President of La Campagne Tropical Beach Resort Otunba Wanle Akinboboye has identified both tourism and transport sectors are critical nexus for the development of Nigeria’s economy.

Akinboboye (4th left) receiving his award at the summit

The President of La Campagne Tropical Beach Resort Otunba Wanle Akinboboye has identified both tourism and transport sectors are critical nexus for the development of Nigeria’s economy.

Akinboboye, who made the statement at this year’s National Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, said both sectors warehouse sufficient elements that if properly harnessed, would accelerate Nigeria’s quest for a better and thriving tourist destination.

The founder of Motherland Beckons, an outfit dedicated to the promotion of Africa through arts, tourism, culture, entertainment, fashion, as well as attracting the Diaspora back to motherland (Africa), was one of the special guests and awardees at the event, as he was named the ‘Most creative and resilient tourism personality for the year 2018.’

Organised by the Institute of Tourism Professionals (ITP) led by Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, the two days event, which has as theme, Tourism and Transportation Inter-dependencies for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development, got the support of the Ministry of Transportation, and Ministry of Information and Culture, with various operators and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors in attendance.

According to Akinboboye, “Tourism is the movement of people domestically and internationally from one point to the other. When you move within a particular country, it is called domestic tourism and when you travel outside the country, it is called international tourism. Now, you must use a certain medium when you are travelling.

“Without people moving, there will be no need for transportation or petrol or diesel. Transportation relies solely on the movement of people from one point to the other, which is what tourism represents. You cannot separate them,” he said.He commended organisers of the summit for the initiative, which according to him demonstrated their forthrightness in moving the two sectors forward.

“So, I think the summit is a very smart idea by the deep thinking president of the Institute of Tourism Practitioners (ITP), Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, to begin to galvanise for people to understand the importance of the two sectors working together as a team. When people decide to travel, the first industry to benefit from that decision is transportation. So, combining them is critical for growth and development. They must all support themselves; they must come together to synergise and have very strong strategic partnership that will enhance both sectors.”

Impressed by the level of attendance and the success the summit has recorded in just two years, the tourism promoter said, “For a second edition, I believe strongly that it has grown tremendously. If this is the second edition, I can’t wait to see the 10th edition because they virtually brought together everybody. We have the young people, international audience; we also have people from the diplomatic community and, of course, the private sector.”

Akinboboye, who has over the years been honoured for his contributions to Nigeria tourism and engagement with Africa, expressed great delight and appreciation to ITP for the award, describing it as a huge boost as it would spur him further in the realisation of his dream for Nigeria and Africa.

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