February 29, (THEWILL) – The Enugu State Government has expressed its resolve to partner the state-based travel agents as part of its efforts to develop an investment-friendly environment and evolving policies for sustainable tourism growth across the state.
The decision was reached during a courtesy visit to the Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barrister Ugochi Madueke, by travel and tours agencies led by the Principal Executive of Flyzone Tourism, Mr. Awomoyi Ayodeji.
While stressing the relevance of bilateral cooperation in achieving sustainable tourism growth, the Minister assured the travel practitioners of the State Government’s commitment to supporting their efforts at enhancing rich tourism and healthy culture endowments.
Also, the meeting addressed issues of investing in tourism destinations within the state to increase revenue generation. She expressed commitment to trim processes to enhance the smooth running of Enugu State’s tourism.
Affirming readiness to support the progressive initiative, the Commissioner expressed unfeigned support for the growth and well-being of travel agencies in Enugu and wished to undertake a cruise with travel agencies for a two–day facility tour to explore the state’s rich and diverse tourism contents embedded in hinterlands across the state.
Speaking, Mr. Ayodeji said the partnership will address the out-of-job syndrome amongst the youths, adding it will encourage and advance the state treasures, such as tourism facilities and perceived notions of the people’s culture across global audiences.
He stated that the developmental process would achieve advancement through strategic collaboration (Public Private Partnership), noting that the need for investment and development of infrastructure would address the sector’s numerous challenges.
To this, he said the visit was an exclusive access route in encouraging and accelerating growth to enhance local tourism content and helping travel companies to increase revenue by attracting visitors for adventure purposes.
The Flyzone Tourism boss said, “Such development would increase domestic tourism and promote relationships amongst stakeholders, local communities as well as business owners. The private sector benefits from the opportunity to invest in profitable tourism projects and gain a return on their investment.
“This explains that synergy with industry players can create innovative tourism destinations that are more attractive, sustainable, and economically viable. We need to key in the area of marketing these tourism sites to our clients.”
Ayodeji also advocates for growth, suggesting collaboration with partners beyond Enugu’s borders.
Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, Merob Travels and Tours, Mr. Charles Obi, said he foresees a situation where more relationships will crop up, adding that the visit will build bridges between the travel agencies and related government agencies manning affairs of the state travels and tourism activities.
Founder, Geoseries Concept, Uche George, said the Commissioner’s genuine interest in their suggestion and unwavering support for the initiatives aimed at advancing travel agencies in Enugu left an indelible impression.
“Her virtue and dedication to the cultural and tourism landscapes were evident throughout the stakeholders meeting. Her keen understanding of the potential impact of a thriving travel sector on the overall growth of the state was both inspiring and motivating,” he said.
Describing Madueke as a catalyst for change, George said her openness to new ideas and commitment to implementing suggestions underscored a shared vision for the growth and prosperity of the region’s travel industry.
According to him, PPP stands as a beacon for positive transformation, offering a multitude of benefits that ripple across various sectors. Explaining, he said embracing PPP is a gateway to unlocking the full potential of collaborative synergies, such as global exposure, boosting tourism, attracting investments, showcasing untapped potential, cultural exchange, job creation and more.
Taking everything into account, Madueke enthusiastically endorsed the idea, promising to host external partners and industry practitioners in celebrating 2024 World Tourism Day.
In her remark, the Coordinator, National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, Enugu chapter, Chioma Obi, said the visit to the Commissioner came at the right time, which explained how the agencies will have time to reset strategies for the promotion of tourist sites in the state.
“The state has been able to see a lot of changes within this one year of the new administration in office. Firstly, the security situation of the state has greatly improved and the synergy between the tour operators and the ministry is very important.
“In as much as the tour operators are supposed to create packages and showcase the Enugu tourism sites, the ministry is supposed to provide resources and an enabling environment for tourism to thrive, as such will help us project Enugu State as a tourism destination fit for those within and outside Nigeria.”
Obi, who is also the Managing Director, Jands Travel Network and Director, Jands Travel Business School, said such development will improve the sector in various ways.
“Even though we have a few visitors coming in, we need more because tourism is a great source of income and source of foreign exchange for the state and for the indigenes,” she added.
According to Obi, the synergy will help preserve the state’s tourist attractions and preserve their culture. She urged the government at all levels to encourage sustainable tourism across the state to restore its past glory.
Travel agencies in attendance include Odizra Travels, Jand Travels, Danza Travels, 3 Star Orbit, TG Travels, Mandalight Travels, Mariamabel Travels and more.
About the Author
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
