The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) says it is collaborating with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to enhance data collection on tourism to attract investors.
The President of the Federation, Malam Saleh Rabo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that the nation’s economy needed to benefit from the immense potential of its tourism industry.
“With our newly established department of data and research, we are collaborating with NBS to see how the private sector can help improve the collation of data in the tourism industry.
“This will enable people who want to invest in the sector to have reliable data and other information that will encourage and stimulate them.
“So, we are working with them and by the grace of God we are repositioning FTAN so that the benefits of tourism can be enjoy by everybody,’’ Rabo said.
Rabo stressed the need for infrastructure such as roads, electricity and security to enable the tourism sector in the country to flourish, saying the efforts of the Federal Government should complemented by the other tiers.
According to him, the federation is not relenting on its efforts to encourage genuine investors to come into the sector so that the economy can continue to enjoy the benefits of tourism.
On the involvement of youths in tourism activities, Rabo expressed satisfaction with the participation of Tourism Youth Organisations in the development of the sector.
“In fact, a Motor Rally Association joined us recently; they are youth association which promotes the culture of `Safe Driving’ and then try to promote motor rally in Abuja and Nigeria in general.
“Nevertheless, there is nothing you can do without involving the youth because they are the backbone of every society. Therefore, we are involved in all tourism activities in the country,’’ he said.
On the lull in the activities of the Presidential Council on Tourism after its inauguration two years ago, Rabo said it was not unconnected to the myriad of challenges facing the country.
“FTAN is a member of the council. I believe everybody understands the situation in the country today. There are challenges we are having on security issues.
“The government is trying its best to tackle those challenges. If those have been nipped in the bud, the council will come together and do something about tourism.
“This is because tourism is a sector that is supposed to drive the economy. I hope after the storm the PCT will sit to see to issues in the sector,” Rabo said. (NAN)
