In celebration of the 2022 edition of the World Tourism Day (WTD) scheduled for Sept. 27, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) says it plans to market the aquatic endowments of Lagos State.
Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, National President of FTAN, said in a news conference in Lagos on Monday, that this was to guarantee the state explores its aquatic endowments for revenue generation, with the theme “Rethinking Tourism.”
Onung said that going by the theme for the day, in other to reposition the tourism sector, both the government and private sectors needed to engage in lots of brainstorming.
He included that the federation had planned a number of activities for the day to draw the attention of Nigerians’ to the enormous investment potentials in the state, in the areas of aquatic tourism.
According to him, there will be a free boat cruise from Tarzan Jetty in Victoria Island to Tarkwa Bay Beach, which will display the beauty of exploring the waterways for tourism purposes.
“It is time to show the world the business of tourism, we want to assess the water economy in Lagos State, and we want people to see that lots of revenue can be generated on the waterways through tourism.
“One of the activities for the day will be the biggest watercraft floatella, draped in Nigerian colours, this will showcase boat cruises on Lagos waterways and the adventure in water.
“Also, we will be having a dinner and award night where three individuals who have contributed to the growth of the tourism industry in the last one year will be appreciated.
“Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State will be appreciated for maintaining security in the state and his numerous investments in the tourism industry, this is to encourage the state to do more,” he said.
According to Onung, in the next one year, FTAN will be committed to promoting aquatic tourism in the state and ensuring that jobs are created through the sector.
“We are looking at how government can look into that aspect of the economy, invest more in it, make the waterways safe for all and neat, a lot of revenue can be generated there,” he said.
Alhaji Gani Balogun, Managing Director, Association of Tourists Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), also Chairman Local Organizing Committee of the WTD, stated that individuals would have paid N1,800 each to experience a boat ride, if they were to go on their own.
Balogun pointed out that the Takwa Bay beach was chosen due to the minimal water waves and the neatness of the water.
He appealed with Nigerians to make it a date to get educated on how revenue could be generated on the waterways as experts would be engaged to briefly speak on the business aspect.
He went ahead to also appreciate the Nigerian Navy and the Marine Police for their efforts in partnering with FTAN to host the biggest boat cruise in Nigeria.
“The boat cruise starts 10.00a.m.”
He concluded by saying: “We can also have boat cruises like those experienced in Florida and some other developed nations because we have all it takes, this is what we want to show to the world on Sept. 27, during the world tourism day.
