Lagos restates commitment to tourism

[PHOTO] Lagos restates commitment to tourism

Lagos State Governor  AkinwunmiAmbode has restated his commitment to enhancing the economic fortunes of the  state by deepening tourism infrastructure development and providing world-class tourism assets across the state.

He said: “Collaborating with private sector organisations on tourism-related programmes is borne out of this administration’s genuine commitment to engage and give interested business organisations  access to the untapped tourism potential of the state”.

He spoke at the Lagos Day at Akwaaba Africa Travel Market held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

This is the first time, according to the governor, that the state will support the hosting of the African Travel Market on a prominent scale since its inception in 2004.

Ambode, represented by the Commissioner for Tourism Arts and Culture Mr. Steve Ayorinde,  explained: “Our decision to collaborate with the organisers of this event was borne out of the present administration’s genuine commitment to engage the private sector in the growth and development of the tourism sector of the state and give interested organisations access  to the untapped tourism potentials of the state.”

Ambode reminded the audience that “at the inception of this administration, we did not mince words regarding our commitment to drive development through tourism and invest in sectors that will grow our economy’s capacity as a result of our mission to build greater Lagos State”.

The governor justified the administration’s effort on the strategic development of infrastructure and the provision of tourism attractions across the state. He said: “We are conscious of the fact that provisions of infrastructure and security of the polity for our stakeholders are fundamental ingredients for tourism development.’’

He added: “Over the last three years the state government has invested heavily in key infrastructure projects like new network of roads, provisions of monuments, improvement of our beaches, building of the five standard theaters, museums , etc.

‘’One of the ongoing key projects, which we deliberately decided to undertake given its strategic importance to tourism promotion, is the Airport road. It is planned to be a world class road infrastructure that will be a delight to visitors to the state and Nigeria.’’

The governor continued: “The Lagos State Government will continue to encourage and promote private sector’s investment towards tourism promotion. We recognise Lagos, as a destination of choice that is blessed with natural and rich cultural heritage. For this reason. We will continue to deepen partnerships with all stakeholders in the state’s tourism space to ensure our competitiveness as a vibrant tourism destination.”

The Akwaaba Travel Market organised by Mr Nkechi Uko is a major marketing platform where airlines, travel agents, hotels, tourism boards, both foreign and local, media and general travelling public in Africa meet to rub minds, and share views on development.

The Lagos Day also provided the government an opportunity to share information on the state’s potential tourism investment opportunities. Papers were presented by the state’s team on ‘’Epe, the emerging get-away haven, Badagry, the essence is more than a whisper’’ and a peep into the state tourism master plan was provided by Messrs Enrst and Young.

Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters did a presentation on Eko theatre, public art, installations and the partnership that works, while the audience equally had an insight into the Eko Park Project and the shape of things to come on the ongoing Onikan tourism hub.

Mr. FolaAdeyemi Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Other dignitaries at the well-attended event includes OtunbaSegunRunsewe, Director General National Council for Arts and culture, notable movie artistes from Ghana and Nigeria including Mr. Van Vicker, Joke Silver, KunleAfolayan and host of others