The indefatigable Director-General,Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Chief Olusegun Runsewe has charged the tour operators in the country to be vibrant and cogent in discharging their primary business objectives at a stakeholders' forum held at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos recently.The tour operators were also advised to introduce the biometric technology as a way of curbing their staff involvement in crime related offences that could tarnish the image of the country. The finger print system for the staff in the tour operating business will check any fraudulent attempts and movement from one tour company to another as a result of atrocities.Runsewe did not fail to make reference to Cynthia murder's case in a hotel in Lagos while the arrest of the perpetrators by the security officials was made possible with the aid of the CCTV camera. It was on record that the apex tourism regulatory body, NTDC ordered all hoteliers to have the security equipment in their various hotels prior to the gruesome murder of Cynthia.'Tourism development in Nigeria has undergone a gradual but progressive evolution with each phase reflecting its growing importance in the economy and this has also influenced the interest and decision of some Americans to visit Nigeria in due course,' said Runsewe.Runsewe further said 'Tourism has emerged as a key driver of modern economies and the largest creator of jobs (direct and indirect), wealth and investment in the world and Nigeria cannot afford to sit on the fence with the recent revelation of Naija 7 Wonders.'The search for the 7 wonders of Nigeria was carried out by ATQ publisher, Mr. Ikechi Uko as a need to build up a body of locations that are 'must see' for every Nigerian and visitors to universally recognise and promote Nigeria destinations.The visits of the Americans to be led by Paul Cohen, a tourism expert and President, Partners Concept was a result of trip of the NTDC team to about six states in the United States of America some weeks ago and the NTDC boss hinted that Mr. Paul Cohen will be meetingwith the tour operators during Akwaaba Travel Market.The President, National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mr. Nkereuweng Onung in his speech commended Chief Runsewe for his proactive steps and success in redeeming the image of the country and marketing Nigeria tourism potentials in USA.Also, he applauded the NTDC helmsman initiative in bringing succuor to the travel industry with the introduction of the comprehensive book on 'Nigeria Tourism' with high level of printing technology and the presentation of accreditation certificates to about 20 NATOP members.Tourism involves visiting places and hosting people, therefore, there is cogent need to provide visitors with enabling environment in order to make them feel welcomed, to meet their needs and expectations.On this issue, Chief Runsewe disclosed that plans are on the way to train some taxi drivers at some selected airports namely, Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Jos, Kaduna, Kano and Calabar.Also, NTDC will meet with some vehicle manufacturers to source for buses that will be making available to the tours' operators on payment of certain percentage while the subsequent balance payment will be on instalments.Mr Olumuyiwa Salami, National Vice-President (South-West Zone), National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA) in his own reaction showered encomiums on the director general on recognition and privilege given the tour operators in tourism development.Also present at the NTDC/NATOP parley are Hajia Fatima Gabati, Director, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCCA), Mr. Ikechi Uko, CEO, Akwaaba Travel Market, Mrs.Uloma Egbuna, MD, TBI Tours, Mr. Jemi Alade, MD, Jemi Alade Tours, Ms. Funmi Rotiba, MD/CEO, Special Travels and Tours, stakeholders in the travel, tourism and hospitality businesses.
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