Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka has enjoined members of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), to support the State Government by promoting its Tourism sector as a top destination for tourists.
The Commissioner, who gave the charge recently when executive members of the Association paid a courtesy visit to her office at Alausa, Ikeja, opined that the association should be focused on projecting local tourism and culture to the world through its members.
Benson-Awoyinka reminded the delegation of the need to be deliberate in their storytelling by positively projecting the rich tourism potentials of Nigeria and Lagos State to the outside world, stressing that Tourism is an industry that thrives on the good impression created before the international community.
The Special Adviser on Tourism, Mr. Idris Aregbe thanked the members for helping to move Lagos forward, particularly through its efforts in promoting the State as a top destination for tourists. He maintained that there is a need to increase the level of awareness of what Lagos has to offer in the area of tourism attractions to attract more visitors to the State.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Toyin Atekoja stated that the Ministry intends to improve its collaboration with the association on how to improve the Lagos Tourism sector in line with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration for Lagos State.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson said Lagos’s greatest assets are not its infrastructures, but its unique culture and heritage. He added that there is a need for a concerted effort by all and sundry to promote tourism through our culture including arts, music and social activities among others.
The Financial Secretary of NANTA, Mr. Yinka Ladipo remarked that the association is passionate about Lagos State which is why they want to hold their next AGM in Lagos. He added that the members also intend to make Mr. Governor, the Chief Host at the event in recognition of his laudable achievements in the State.
