By Gambo Jagindi
September 27, 2020
NIHOTOUR will work with private sector for sustainable development of tourism -Kangiwa
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism(NIHOTOUR) will continue to work with the private sector to promote the sustainable development of Tourism in Nigeria.
Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director-General of NIHOTOUR, made this known in a message on Sunday to commemorate the 2020 World Tourism Day(WTD) with the theme “Tourism and Rural Development.”
“Tourism employs a large number of people in the world and a contributing factor to the economic growth of a nation.
According to him, tourism is a leading Export Service and a major source of foreign exchange, earning tool for nations’ international Balance of Payment.
” The Federal Government of Nigeria has over the years sought to diversify the economy by developing a sustainable tourism industry, in partnership with the private sector.
“This is one of the main reasons why NIHOTOUR was established in 1987 as the flagship Hospitality and Tourism training institute in Nigeria and West Africa.
“This year’s theme of the World Tourism Day, which is, “Tourism and Rural Development” is very apt., Its focus is consistent with the mandate of NIHOTOUR and my paradigm as the Director General of the Institute.
” NIHOTOUR’s mandate includes to provide quality service in the tourism industry, by introducing professional, technical and specialized training, as well as Postgraduate course in the hospitality travel and tourism fields.
” It is equally mandated to provide a forum at which representatives of both public and organised private tourism sectors and tourism institutions can exchange ideas and information on development in the industry, ” he said.
Kangiwa added that the NIHOTOUR on the occasion of WTD, would be partnering with Tarzan Boats Services and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria(FTAN), Lagos State Chapter, to showcase Nigeria’s grassroot tourism potential.
NAN reports that since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation has celebrated World Tourism Day as international observances on Sept. 27.
This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted.
The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism.
The purpose is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. (NAN)