The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture on Thursday organised a Stakeholders meeting with Beach Operators in Lagos State to discuss and collaborate on developing the many beaches across the State and making them more attractive for Tourism.
Speaking at the meeting held in the Conference Room of the Ministry, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe reiterated the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate and partner with them on Tourism development
The Special Adviser emphasised the need for all stakeholders to come together and collaborate on developing and making good use of the beaches, not only to attract more visitors but to protect them because they are the pride of the State and important to achieving the Greater Lagos vision.
While commending some of the operators for doing a good job, Aregbe implored others to emulate them, stressing that the present administration would soon get rid of miscreants that have encroached on major beaches across the State.
He also emphasised the need for data collection as well as proper registration of the beach operators in Lagos to make it easy to interface with the Ministry either individually or through an Association of Beach Operators.
Maintaining that a new era has started and that the leadership of the Ministry is ready to work for Greater Lagos Rising, Aregbe solicited the support and cooperation of all stakeholders towards attaining all set goals and objectives.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary. Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja informed the gathering that the essence of the meeting is to interact and identify the strengths and weaknesses inherent in their businesses such as climate change, environmental degradation, overcrowding and infrastructure limitations among others.
She, however, declared that amidst these challenges lie numerous opportunities, calling on the Operators to indulge in sustainable tourism practices by embracing eco-friendly accommodations and responsible waste management not only to protect the environment but also to attract more tourists to the beaches.
The Permanent Secretary also stressed that collaboration is key if there is going to be any meaningful development of the beaches in Lagos State.
