Coker makes case for amendment of tourism law

From Abe’ku ‘kachukwu

Director-General (DG), Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Folorunsho Coker has again suggested that the laws governing the practice of tourism in Nigeria be amended.
He said this while addressing journalists in Abuja ahead of preparation for 2017 World Tourism Day (WTD), just as he urged Nigerians to celebrate what the country is blessed with.
The 2017 WTD would be celebrated in Doha, Qatar, on September the 27th, 2017 with the theme: “Sustainable Tourism, a Tool for Development.”
Throwing more light on the need to amend the law, the DG, however, said that if done, it would go a long way with regard to international best practices in the nation’s tourism industry. He added that the 2017 NTDC Bill would open up avenues of collaboration with different stakeholders.
While describing Nigeria as a labyrinth of enviable tourism assets and potentials, the NTDC boss disclosed that over the years, Nigeria has been fortunate to develop new forms of cultural exchange, such as music, which he said was a success around the world, adding that the country’s Nollywood is number two in the globe.
Coker, said Nigeria’s fashion designers compete favorably internationally. He said his administration created a sub-brand, ‘Tour Nigeria,’ a 5-point action plan that aims to promote domestic tourism and encourage ease of doing business in Nigeria.
The NTDC boss informed that, he plans to encourage human capital and infrastructural development by promoting and protecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage as well as pushing for capital projects in the sector.
He appealed to the media to assist them to create awareness on the importance of tourism in the country, adding that the election of the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed as the Vice President, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) would go a long way in promoting the sector in Nigeria, just as he hailed the minister for his diligence.
He said that UNWTO General Assembly to be held in Nigeria in 2018 would make tourism ministers across the globe Nigeria’s cultural ambassadors as well as create awareness about the potentials the country has in the sector global.