Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has pledged a strategic partnership with the Katsina State government to harness, develop and promote its rich cultural tourism assets.

FTAN said the collaboration, anchored on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aims to unlock the economic potential of tourism in the state by attracting investment and strengthening cultural promotion.

In a statement yesterday, FTAN President, Dr Aliyu Badaki, said the commitment followed a recent tour of the state by the association’s officials at the invitation of Governor Dikko Radda.

The governor also hosted the delegation during the historic Hauwan Bariki and Sallah Durbar celebrations held across Katsina and Daura emirates.

The team included the association’s First Deputy President, Susan Akporiaye; Vice President (North West), El-Kabir Danfulani and Executive Director of Katsina State History and Cultural Bureau, Kabir Masanawa, alongside over 16 tourism ambassadors, who participated in the cultural festivities.

The visit also formed part of FTAN’s broader push to deepen tourism development nationwide.

During their stay, Badaki said the team conducted on-the-spot assessments of key tourism sites and ongoing projects in the state capital, identifying opportunities for private sector participation in marketing, infrastructure development, and investment.

In his speech, Badaki presented a set of strategic proposals to the state government, outlining practical pathways for collaboration in promoting Katsina’s cultural heritage and positioning it as a viable tourism destination.

In his remarks, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to tourism growth, requesting a formal re-presentation of the Tourism Icon Award 2025 earlier conferred on him at the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition in Abuja.

The yearly forum, organised by FTAN, serves as a veritableplatform for showcasing Nigeria’s tourism potential and attracting both public and private sector investors.

This year’s edition, scheduled for July alongside FTAN’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), is to feature a revamped format geared at boosting participation and expanding its impact on the sector, the statement added.