… Marks 2021 World Tourism Day
The Lagos State Government has reechoed its commitment to ensuring inclusiveness to further expand the growth of Tourism and Hospitality business in the State.
Speaking at a symposium to herald the Y2021 World Tourism Day, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, said the event was designed to gather thoughts on the strategies that could be adopted to chart a way forward for the Tourism industry.
Akinbile-Yusuf explained that this year’s event, with the theme “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”, shows the government’s resolve to carry all stakeholders along in executing the template of tourism development in Lagos.
The Commissioner mentioned that a series of interactive sessions were held with relevant stakeholders to push the trajectory of harmonising thoughts on the prosperity of Lagos State, especially in the area of tourism, arts, culture and entertainment.
Noting that the move has led to the implementation of numerous initiatives executed in consonance with the State’s Tourism Masterplan, Mrs. Akinbile-Yusuf said “I’m happy to report that the fall out of these meetings is now being implemented by the Ministry. Specifically, we have started a training session for about 150 tour guides, who would ensure that Visitors/Tourists have a worthwhile experience in Lagos at all times”.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu said that the event aligns with the directives of Governor Sanwo-Olu that efforts should be intensified towards ensuring sustainable socio-economy of the State through tourism.
Bonu maintained that “Tourism for lnclusive Growth” would afford stakeholders the opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and knowledge and consider people that can drive growth.
Chairman House Committee on Tourism, Mr. Fatai Oluwa was optimistic that the gathering would live up to expectations towards building and establishing a partnership for the growth of the sector.
Oluwa said the State is not oblivious of its enormous potentials and is working assiduously to cater for all and sundry because tourism affects everyday activities, as it is not only tilted towards driving economic growth but enhancing social progress across the world.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi, who relayed the message of the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, stressed the need to open more opportunities and benefits available in the sector to everyone for an enhanced scope.
She pointed out that Pololikashvili’s message was aimed at bringing about inclusiveness, noting that inclusive growth means getting everybody on board in building a foundation for a better future for all in the tourism sector.
In her presentation, Dr. Adun Okupe, said inhabitants of local communities must be actively involved in tourism regardless of their age, economic status and religion, stressing that besides the activation of gender equality, women must be allowed to play key roles in ensuring inclusivity in the sector.
She also called for the provision of social infrastructure that can facilitate easy access to local communities as well as consistent training, education and development opportunities for occupants of historical buildings, so that they can provide an ecosystem for economic and social growth.
