By Abba -Eku Onyeka, Abuja
In a bid to foster greater collaboration and drive growth in Nigeria’s tourism industry, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) recently convened a joint management retreat at the prestigious Ibeto Hotel in Abuja. The event brought together key management officials from both agencies to share knowledge, address industry challenges, and develop innovative strategies for advancing Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector.
In his address at the joint retreat, the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Aare Dr. Abisoye Fagade, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, urging management staff of both agencies to engage in productive discussions to identify lasting solutions to their shared challenges.
Dr. Fagade stressed the importance of strengthening inter-agency synergy between NTDA and NIHOTOUR, stating, “We must focus on building a stronger partnership between our agencies to drive growth and development in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector.”
He also highlighted the crucial role of teamwork in achieving sustainable growth, emphasizing that collective efforts and collaboration would be essential in overcoming the challenges facing the sector and unlocking its full potentials.
The Director-General of NTDA, Chief Folorunsho Coker, called for stronger collaboration between the two agencies, stating: “It is time for collaboration, not competition.” He also highlighted the critical role of technology in transforming Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry, urging stakeholders to embrace digital innovations to enhance service delivery and global competitiveness.
The joint management retreat culminated in a resounding success, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation among stakeholders. By sharing knowledge, aligning strategies, and reaffirming their commitment, NTDA and NIHOTOUR have paved the way for a transformative era in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality landscape.
As a result of the retreat, both agencies have emerged with a unified vision to propel Nigeria to the forefront of global tourism destinations. The actionable strategies and solutions devised during the retreat will drive growth, innovation, and excellence in the industry, ultimately enhancing Nigeria’s appeal to local and international tourists alike.
