President of the Webisco Women in Agro-tourism, Environ Dome Houses and Farms, Chief (Mrs.) Margaret Bolanle Fabiyi has concluded plans to organise a one-day tourism dialogue under the theme: ‘Nigerian Tourism: Past, Present, and Future,’ on October 5, 2023 in Lagos.

According to Fabiyi, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Board of Trustees chairman, Chief Samuel Alabi, will chair the event.

The one-day programme involving the public and private sector industry practitioners will discuss and chart the way forward for the tourism industry in Nigeria in the light of the newly created stand-alone ministry.
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Fabiyi who explained that the current efforts by Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in creating a stand-alone tourism ministry was a step in the right direction, even as she, however, noted that the only way to create a clear path towards development and growth of the sector was for the industry practitioners to ‘come, discuss and take a holistic look at the sector.’

“For many decades we have been part of the efforts and struggle to grow the industry. We are happy that the industry has its ministry. However, we need to take a holistic look at the sector from the past till present. It is important we understand the area we, as practitioners and industry players, had got it wrong, the ones we did well, and the best way to grow the industry in the present age.”

She continued: “Tourism has undergone so many changes and transformation in the last ten years, especially post COVID-19. There are changes in destination marketing and development. These are some of the issues we intend to discuss and come out with positive ideas to move the industry forward.”

Fabiyi also revealed that the conference will also serve as an opportunity to reintroduce her pet project; the Black History Month (BHM).  “The dialogue would be an opportunity to reintroduce my organisation’s pet project, the Black History Month (BHM). We plan to hold the event in February 2024. We have started plans for the BHM.”
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