Considering the immense potential of the tourism industry, which is largely untapped, Nkereuwem Onung, chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), has called on tour operators in Nigeria to imbibe the culture of responsible tourism while building Nigeria as a tourist destination.
Onung, the immediate past president of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Tourism and chairman, Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (TSSCN), made the charge over the week while speaking at the 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NATOP in Lagos.
The former president of NATOP emphasised the crucial role of tour operators, noting that they are the backbone of the tourism value chain in any thriving destination.
Speaking on the theme of the AGM, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable”, the TSSCN chairman said: “Tour operators are the backbone of the tourism value chain. We are the bridge between the traveller and the destination. We curate experiences, manage logistics, ensure safety, and create memories. More importantly, we are ambassadors of our nation,” Onung said.
