NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NCAC to unveil Nigeria Culture House soon — Runsewe
Culture & Tourism

NCAC to unveil Nigeria Culture House soon — Runsewe

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By Taiye Olayemi
Chief Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has said that a six-storey building of “Nigeria Culture House” would soon be inaugurated in Abuja to market the nation’s cultural heritage.
Runsewe disclosed this during a familiarisation visit of the building with travel writers on Friday in Abuja.
According to him, it is  long overdue for the nation to have such a tourist attraction where local and international tourists can access Nigeria’s peculiar cultural products.
He said the building which initially acquired by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been retrieved.
He said the 30-metre  long building would accommodate offices for all countries with embassies in Nigeria as well as an e-library connected to over 170 countries.
According to him, this will afford local and international tourists to connect to the globe and also help individuals who wish to conduct research based on Nigerian culture.
According to Runsews, the culture house which is undergoing  some finishing touches will be inaugurated soon and ready to receive visitors.
“Here in the building, we have befitting offices for all staff of NCAC with work stations, a clinic that will cater for free medical assessment for all staff and visitors, also we have rehearsal rooms for the performing and theatre arts department.
“It is an iconic building that will accomodate constant exhibition of nation’s cultural materials.
“We have halls for events, a lift that is permanently connected to an inverter and boardrooms.
“We also have a small market where some of the members of staff could get some foodstuff and pay at subsidised rate at the end of each month.
“Erected on six corners of the building are 25 metres high art works designed to depict peculiar cultural features in each state of the federation, this is meant to attract and educate tourists,” he said.
Runsewe said the purpose of  the building was to ensure proper welfare of NCAC staff and make the council perform its mandate of cultural promotion.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
Runsewe urges Tinubu to create sole ministries for tourism, culture
Culture & Tourism

Runsewe urges Tinubu to create sole ministries for tourism, culture

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By Taiye Olayemi
The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to make the establishment of a sole ministry for tourism and culture a priority, for the advancement of the industries.
Chief Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General,  NCAC, made the call during a training session organised by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) for the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Travel Writers (ANJET), in Abuja on Friday.
Runsewe said that a stand-alone ministry for tourism and culture was needed to ensure the obvious tourism communication gap between the private and public sectors was bridged.
He noted that the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, as presently constituted, was too large as tourism and culture lacked proper attention.
According to him, managing public information in a large and complex nation like Nigeria is too ennormous to combine with providing leadership in the culture sector that is very sensitive to national integration, peace and development.
“The federal government should therefore see to the possibility of creating a stand-alone Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
“This has been a recurring demand anywhere the issues of moving the tourism and culture sector is being discussed by professionals in the last couple of years.
“It is my conviction that a stand-alone Ministry of Culture and Tourism is an idea whose time has come,” he said.
Runsewe noted that to further bridge the tourism communication gap between the private and public sectors, it was sacrosanct to establish platforms for regular interactions among tourism stakeholders.
He advised practitioners in the industries to uphold the professional integrity of the tourism industry as they also engage in strategic partnerships.
He said tourism was a specialised sector that required professional skills and expertise.
“In all the countries such as Spain, France, USA and South Africa, where tourism is a serious business with huge economic returns, the sector is populated with professionals who know the global technicalities of tourism.
“They are also able to adopt that knowledge to meet the peculiar realities of their environments.
“In Nigeria, tourism business appears to be an all-comers’ affairs, if anybody who has the means can wake up overnight to set up a tourism business, how do we expect the sector to move forward?
“No matter what you communicate, as long as it is not profit maximisation, such people will never understand or flow with it.
“The public sector tourism organisations that is manned by those who do not know the technicalities of the sector has to be sensitised,” he said.
Runsewe urged tourism and travel media to constantly seek to set the agenda for the growth of Nigerian tourism by ensuring that the communication gap in the sector is reduced to the bearest minimum.
He said the media must continue to put in the front burner of national discourse, issues relating to the prevailing global best practices in tourism.
“The media should take it upon themselves to inform and mobilise all stakeholders in the industry to take the required step in adopting the right approach toward building a dynamic tourism sector for Nigeria.
“Journalists are formidable agents of social change and ANJET as agents of development communication should lead the campaign to influence public opinion that will lead to the change necessary.
”This will enhance communication and healthy institutional partnership necessary for sustainable growth,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
AccraWeizo travel show spotlights honeymoon destinations in Ghana
Culture & Tourism , Entertainment

AccraWeizo travel show spotlights honeymoon destinations in Ghana

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By Taiye Olayemi

The desire to go on honeymoon after the consummation of marriages is every couple’s dream. Beautiful destinations and exotic getaways suitable to cater for honeymoon adventures continues to spring up across the African continent.

Honeymoon has lots of therapeutic effect on couples who engage in it as it gives room for ultimate relaxation after going through the stress of planning and executing wedding ceremony.


Honeymoon also allows for the couple to bond well enough before resuming back to their various official duties.

The recently concluded 6th AccraWeizo West Africa Travel and Tourism Market revealed choice honeymoon destinations across Ghana.

Ghana, which covers an area of about 238,535 km2 (92,099 sq mi), spanning diverse biomes that range from coastal savannas to tropical rainforests, has been naturally endowed with many go-to-see potential to accomodate tourists for holiday and honeymoon purposes.

With over 32 million inhabitants, Ghana is the second most populous country in West Africa, after Nigeria.

The 6th AccraWeizo came alive again from May 23 to 27, 2023 after three years hiatus due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, with the theme “Tourism Development Through Digitalisation”.

It began with familiarisation tours to tourists destinations within Akosombo and Accra cities like the Royal Senchi resorts, the Peninsula Resort and Golf Club as well as the Accra City Hotel.

These destinations are strategically designed to attract tourists due to the unusual African architectural designs put in place to give aesthetics.

According to Emmanuel Mensah, Sales and Marketing Manager of the Royal Senchi Resort, the facility is the first four-star luxury resort in Ghana.
Mensah said it is a destination suitable for honeymoon because of its serenity, romantic ambience, lush greenery with a magnificent view of the famous Volta River.
He said the resort stands on 35 acres of lush greenery and a unique blend of fauna, flora, traditional architecture, and modernity of the highest standards.
“The Royal Senchi is known as West Africa’s most romantic hotel destination. We are also an ideal venue for business meetings, conferences, and other special events.
“We have 84 rooms, 74 are standard rooms, nine suites and one presidential room for the Very Important Personalities (VIP).
“Due to the quality of our services, we have won a number of coveted awards,” he said.
Mensah urged more Africans to visit the resort because of the therapeutic nature of most of the materials used in putting up the facility.
For instance, instead of the usual cement and glass for the construction, woods and rafia produce were used for mental and psychological healing to visitors.
“We are looking at adding much more activities for tourists on the resort, like ziplining, playground for kids, canopy walkway, luxury tents, additional swimming pool and more.
“Maintaining this resort has not been easy, we engage in serious maintainance annually, serious hard work goes into this; we import treated thatch from South Africa every year, to replace the old ones.
“We are committed to greenery and environmental issues, also very soon we will stop supplying plastic bottled water, but glass bottled water,” he said.
Also, the Peninsula Resort in Akosombo, known as a destination to discover serenity, is a relaxing countryside retreat that invites individuals to escape the hustling lifestyle of the city life.
This is located amidst the majestic Akosombo mountains on a sprawling country estate where hiking and canopy walk are most suitable.

Mr Robert Thompson, General Manager, The Peninsula Resort, said the resort offers a charming blend of classic style, elegant comfort, spectacular views and rich natural heritage.

According to Thompson, the Peninsula Resort sits on a 300-acre of land, endowed with a lake, serene atmosphere, hills, and hiking capacity of two kilometres, among others.
He said the longest canopy walkway in West Africa is also located at the resort which is about 550 metres long.
He added that the management of the resort was planning to upgrade its facilities by constructing apartments for long and short stay accommodation to make it a one-stop resort.
According to him, other attractive activities that tourists can enjoy at the resort include archery, swimming, horse riding, lawn and table tennis, as well as golf and boat cruise.
Accra City Hotel, Ghana’s first internationally branded Hotel in 1988 and first ISO certified hotel in West Africa, could also cater for honeymoon adventures with about 196 well-furnished guest rooms ranging from Queen-size to studio units.
Mr Ekow Sampson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), during the conference session of the tourism expo, said Ghana has many more choice destinations for honeymoon and conferencing.
The expo which seeks to improve seamless travels across the West African region had in attendance delegates from different countries, exhibiting series of travel and tourism products.

Mr Ikechi Uko, organiser of the expo, advised Africans to intensify efforts toward working unanimously to achieve seamless travels across the continent.

Uko said West Africans with over 400 million people, are seen to be among the most travelled across the world. And if formidable synergies are created to make West Africa a domestic market for all, Africa will be taking its pride of place globally.

“What we can achieve together is amazing but unfortunately, we have not explored well enough. If only 10 per cent of West Africans can be made to travel within the region, we will be making fortune as Africans.

“A lot of countries get their travelling population from West Africa; we must stop the usual numerous check points on our roads to improve seamless travels,” he said.

How CBAAC is championing pan-African cultural promotion
Culture & Tourism

How CBAAC is championing pan-African cultural promotion

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By Taiye Olayemi

Promoting African culture appears to be a herculean task in present day Nigeria, no thanks to modernisation and western influences after many decades of colonisation.

Many Africans, especially the elites, who often times place western culture above the time-treasured and unique African culture, poss great challenge to its promotion on African continent.

It is against this background that the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) has continued to champion the promotion of African culture by fulfilling its mandate of preserving, presenting and propagating the African culture in its entirety as well as restoring Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

Stepping up on its mandate, under the leadership of highly resourceful Oluwabunmi Amao, the Centre has engaged in the promotion of Pan-Africanism, creating a sense of brotherhood and collaboration among all people of African descent.

Also, the centre continues to hold conferences, seminars, and workshops that border on harnessing the creative talent of the African child and the renaissance of African culture through music, crafts, language, literature, folklore and all.


Arts and crafts exhibitions as well as exhibitions of the relics from the Festival for Arts and culture, held in 1977 were also contantly on exhibition at the centre to keep alive the spirit of FESTAC ’77 among Africans.

Going steps further, Amao built CBAAC Black and African Hall of Fame in Abuja, celebrating black personalities and professionals that have played prominent roles in the emancipation of Africa.

Among those in the CBAAC Hall of Fame are former African presidents during FESTAC ’77 like Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo; Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta, late Muammar Gaddafi of Libya and Ahmed Sekou Toure of, Guinea.

Others curated were Jean Bedel Bokassa of, Central African Republic; Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe; Leopold Sedar Senghor, Senegal; Moktar Ould Daddah, Mauritania; Felix Malloum Bey-Ndi, Chad; and El Hadj Omar Bongo, Gabon.

Amao said the Hall of Fame is also to showcase the achievements of FESTAC ’77.

According to the CBAAG boss, artistes and non artistes from 59 countries who participated in the international festival are showcased in the Hall of Fame.

The CBAAG boss said that the Hall of Fame is a deliberate effort to preserve the historical legacy of FESTAC ’77 for present and future generations of African children.

She encourages Nigerian and African tourists to visit the Hall of Fame located on the third floor of the Office of Head of Service at Federal Secretariat, Abuja for knowledge acquisition and education.

Under her watch, CBAAC also commemorated the 45th anniversary of FESTAC ’77 with a cultural potpourri held at Abuja Transcorp Hilton in December 2023.

Amidst glitz and glamour, there were displays of African cuisines, arts, crafts, musical rendition from different African countries, colloquium and awards during the well-attended Gala Night.

The event spurred some nostalgic reactions when relics and memories of FESTAC ’77 was brought to the fore through documentary presentations of various cultural displays exhibited during FESTAC 46 years ago.

The initial documentaries were juxtaposed with a series of performances yet again by various states and delegates from other countries.

Suffice to say that the entire performance revealed how culture had evolved over the years and the enormous potential yet untapped for economic benefits.

Countries in scintillating African dance styles and songs were seen in colourful display of various aspects of African culture, arts, crafts and all.

At the gala night, Zimbabweans exhibited an important aspect of their historical cultural lifestyle in acrobatic movement with rhythmic claps and drummings.

Ditto for Ugandans who, in classic appearance, made synchronised movement of their indigenous dances in their presentation relaying stories in captivating manner.

Our neighbouring Togolese danced in their Rafia costumes and beaded legs, while the Sudanese performance revealed their nomadic lifestyle usually displayed during joyous occasions.

South Africans indlamu dance expressed their cultural regalia and the Somalians, in dramatic expressions, tell stories of their exploits and travails as a nation.

Other countries whose documentaries were exhibited were Libya, Mozambique, Cuba, Cote d’Ivoire and many more.

The event had Indians display various fabrics peculiar to different regions of the country.

African fashion and hairdo across different countries were also on display.

Present at the gala night were former Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who commended Amao’s efforts at championing cultural promotion in the country.
Mohammed described Amao as a leader with deep love and sense of responsibility for arts, culture and heritage.
He said FESTAC”77 served as a sanctuary for the unification of the Black people across the world because the historical festival recorded a series of positive narratives.
According to him, the festival inspired many to go back to their countries of residence and preach the messages of bravery and freedom.
No fewer than 21 traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic community were conferred with awards of excellence in appreciation of their remarkable contributions to cultural promotion and propagation.

Among the traditional rulers honoured are: Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Frederick Akinruntan; the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Benjamin Ikenchukwu I; Olubadan of Ibadan, Senator Moshood Balogun; Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli and the Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II.

Others are: Oba Olusola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon; Goge Africa; Zainab Ahmed, former Minster of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Mrs Omotayo Omotosho, a tourism consultant and Geoffrey Onyeama, former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Awardees from the diplomatic community include: Clara Culido-Escandel, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, and Dr Yanko Yordanov, the Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria.
Also, recipients from the creative industry are: Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Founder, Nike Arts Gallery; Aralola Olumuyiwa, Cultural Ambassador to Ife Kingdom, and Nollywood Actor, Ramsey Nouah.

Culture & Tourism

D-G NIHOTOUR becomes ATB global ambassador

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By Taiye Olayemi

The African Tourism Board (ATB) has named Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), as its global ambassador, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The ATB is a leading Pan-African tourism development conglomerate comprised of influential stakeholders around Africa, Europe and the Americas.

It is a non-profit body acting as a strategic partner among African countries to develop market and implement tourism programmes that meet the emerging needs of local industries and the international tourism market.

Kangiwa, in a statement on Sunday, said that the announcement was made during the annual Tourism and Transport summit in Abuja recently by Mr Cuthbert Ncube, President of the ATB.

“My appointment is expected to lead to rapid growth in intra- and inter-Africa business partnerships and sustainable platforms for ATB members, stakeholders, tourism destinations and African host communities.

“This will add momentum to the drive for achievements of ATB’s vision and founding objectives,” he said.

Kangiwa is a popular cultural and sports tourism investor, professional and government administrator.

He is currently the substantive President of Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF) – the official Polo regulator in Nigeria – established during the colonial period.

The NPF is the national body recognised to regulate all polo activities within and outside the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Vincent Obi

Culture & Tourism

Return of stolen artefacts a blessing to Benin Kingdom- Agba

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The return of the stolen Benin artefact and putting it under the care of the pace would bring diverse benefits to the people and city of Benin.

Minister of State for Budget and National Planning Clem Agba made this known in message to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II.

Agba also disclosed the Federal Government’s approval of the sum of N1.9billion in the 2023 budget for the housing of these artefacts in the Benin Royal Museum.

He said that the initiative would restore the lost glory of Benin as the centre of art and culture as well as provide employment for the teeming youths in the city.

“The return of all the artefacts, when completed, will be a great balm and relief to everyone as historically, Benin had no formal system of writing other than the stories told in cast brass and carved ivory.

“Art was the kingdom’s culture, its wealth, its literature, and its memory. When these artefacts were pillaged, it left behind only ashes where palaces and temples had stood for centuries.

“I am also elated that the returned artefacts will be domiciled in a new museum on the premises of the great Benin palace which will elevate Benin City into a global destination for art and culture.

“New hotels will rise; new businesses will flourish. Underemployed young people will discover productive futures in art, archaeology, tourism, and other services and the trauma of the past will be converted into resources for the glory of all Edo people and the entire citizens of Nigeria.

“I wish to affirm that His Royal Majesty, over the period of my assignment as a Minister has been a great pillar of support, and his majesty’s wise counsel and prayers have given me strength and inspiration, leading the country into a sure path of greatness under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Agba said that the Oba has played a great role in the whole process leading to the return of the artefacts as well as it’s being domiciled in the royal museum.

“May you live long on the throne, and may your reign continue to bring sustainable peace and more development to Benin in particular and Edo State in general and may the love and bond your subjects have enjoyed under your reign be enduring.”

Agba said that the Federal government has gazetted that the Oba is the custodian of the artefacts, adding that the National Museum and Monument Commission would collaborate with palace to determine where the Royal Museum would be built.(NAN)

Culture & Tourism

New Durban will emerge before 2024 INDABA expo – Official

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By Taiye Olayemi

Durban Tourism, the marketing authority for the city of Durban, South Africa, says some tourism infrastructural development are underway in the city ahead of the 2024 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) expo.

Winnile Mntungwa, Deputy Head, Durban Tourism, gave the assurance during a news conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on Thursday.

Mntungwa assured tourists that the development would totally transform Durban, the host city for the just concluded three-day ATI expo.

According to her, the development is neccesary as Durban remains the host for the 2024 and 2025 editions of the expo.

“A film city similar to what is obtainable in Hollywood will be constructed as well as a resuscitation of the waterfront in the city.

“There will  be a different Durban in 2024, when you come for Indaba. You all know that we take pride in ourselves as the city under construction.

“We hope to complete the film city which will be of disney standard; cruising activity will be upgraded and we have a lot of other infrastructural developments ongoing as well,” she said.

Mntungwa noted that the organisation had exceeded its success projections for the expo so far, as 6,000 delegates were targeted but was able to attract 8,629 delegates.

“I am happy, we are making a positive and upward impact, we look forward to a big one in 2024 and I believe we Africans will continue to tell our stories more,” she said.

Also, Zinnie Nzama, Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer, South Africa Tourism, noted that 21,000 meetings were held during the expo as against 18,000 meetings held in 2022.

She said this was quite encouraging as she appealed to Africans to engage themselves further and make 2024 edition of the expo a bigger one.

Mr John Arittho, Chief Operations Officer, Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), promised to provide a more comfortable venue for the expo in 2024.

Arittho also assured tourists that the hotel facilities around the ICC would be made available for them to use in 2024.

He disclosed that for each day of the just concluded expo, 6,000 meals were served.

“The most interesting aspect of the expo was having students from different vocational academy in Durban participate in the expo.

“This is a way of catching them young to enable them become self reliant and responsible,” he said.

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Culture & Tourism

Exhibitors laud South Africa Tourism on 2023 INDABA

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By Taiye Olayemi

Some exhibitors at the just concluded 2023 Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) on Thursday commended the South Africa Tourism (SAT) for a well organised expo.

The exhibitors who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews expressed excitement over sales recorded and business deals sealed at the expo.

NAN reports that the three-day expo witnessed business meetings, conferences, exhibitions, diverse cultural displays, virtual tourism education, nightlife experience and more.

The expo attracted no fewer than 8,000 delegates from across the globe with over 1,000 exhibitors.

Tabitha Muchogu, Sales and Marketing Administration Manager, Heritage Hotels,Kenya, who had been attending the expo for the past 15 years, said significant improvement was observed.

Muchogu said the organisation of the fair was well coordinated and appropriate imformation were consistently and promptly circulated.

She noted that the quality of buyers had also improved tremendously as travel agents known as the buyers had the potential to sell their products.

“Now I can see that we have fewer jokers coming into the exhibition, who one can confidently transact businesses with. I don’t know how this was done but there are great improvements compared to the past editions.

“Going forward, I would want the South Africa Tourism to consider serving local dishes because what we had was lots of finger foods,” she said.

Also, Julia De Beer, Marketing and Reservations Manager, Siviti Timbavati Plains, said “It is a great experience here, the exhibition has been a prosperous one, we have made sales.

“I have also been able to learn a lot, for instance, I learnt the real estate business from some other exhibitors around.”

Similarly, Cassilda Ntsane, Group Sales Manager, Premier Hotel in Pretoria, who commended SAT for a well organised expo, advised them to ensure that the number of buyers exceeded that of the exhibitors, going forward.

“This will ensure that market demand meets supply,” he said.

Frank Udeme from Nigeria, said  the expo was beneficial to him because he  learnt diverse aspects of African culture.

He urged Africans to keep being friendly with one another and explore more of African boarders during leisure, instead of visiting the western world for tourism. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Culture & Tourism

We’re rebuilding stronger, agile South African Airways — CEO

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By Taiye Olayemi

South African Airways (SAA) has disclosed plans to rebuild the airline to become stronger and more agile before the end of the year.

Prof John Lamola, Chief Executive Officer,  SAA, during the ongoing Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) in Durban, said that this was part of the strategy to fulfil the airline’s mandate as a responsible national carrier.

Lamola said that SAA had been given licence to increase its fleet, hence, the airline would be doubling its frequencies and ensuring a more agile operational model.

” As we approach the month of December, we will put in a seasonal proven agility of our management processes.

” We will put in a seasonal fleet arrangement, we will introduce two new routes and double our frequencies as a stimulation of our operational model.

” We are building a stronger and more agile airline that is going to be the wonder of Africa.

” We believe, as transportation industry, our role is to develop, create and market expectations by searching and developing routes and identifying new destinations, as well as taking the risk before the passengers or potential travellers decide.

” We have the responsibility to ensure there is a reliable, affordable and pleasurable air transport system, and that is the development we are talking about that will be unfolding gradually.

” We really appreciate your partnership, the travel trade community is very critical to us, we are dependent on you, besides the wonders of the digital age,” he said.

Lamola noted that the biggest problem currently confronting the travel business was the untapped tourism potential in the African continent.

He urged all Africans to take conscious efforts in travelling within the continent to explore its tourism potential in, order to boost each African nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The CEO said Africa remained the tourism market of the future, considering the enormous potential across the continent.

Also, Mr Tegobo Tsimane, Chief Commercial Officer, SAA disclosed that as part of their plans to build a stronger airline, one intercontinental flight would be introduced in the course of the year.

” We will have additional flights; by the end of the year, we will be flying 18 destinations.

” We will continue in our partnership with other airlines, there are so many things we are going to be doing together,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Culture & Tourism

2023 Africa’s Travel Indaba opens in Durban, South Africa

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2023 Africa’s Travel Indaba opens in Durban, South Africa

Patricia De Lille, South African Minister of Tourism, declaring 2023 Africa’s Travel INDABA open in Durban, on Tuesday

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi
The 2023 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) started on Tuesday in Durban, South Africa, with delegates from 21 countries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event with the theme, “Unlimited Africa”, was declared opened  by Patricia De Lille, South African Minister of Tourism, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
According to Lille, to reposition African travel and tourism market, Africans have to engage in healthy and balanced collaborations and competitions.
She said competition was often considered to be the life-blood of destination marketing and tourism.
“While healthy competition can drive growth and innovation, unhealthy competition can lead to a race to the bottom, with businesses and destinations undercutting each other on price and quality.
“As the tourism industry, let us foster a culture of healthy competition, where businesses and destinations are encouraged to compete on quality and innovation.
“Let us remember that long-term success in the industry depends not only on competing but also on recognising the value of collaboration and partnerships.
“So, each player in the value chain has a unique role to play, and by working together, we can create seamless and memorable travel experiences for visitors – that is the spirit of Africa’s Travel Indaba,” she said.
She said the 2023 ATI, at near the pre-pandemic scale, also demonstrated that  Africans could host world-class safe events.
“This year, at Africa Travel Indaba, we are working hard to exceed pre-COVID attendance numbers and have an estimated 6, 000 people attending from all over South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world.
“This year’s Indaba sees more than 350 tourism products being showcased, 1,000 buyers from across the tourism ecosystem and just under 1,000 exhibitors.
“The attendees include destination marketing bodies, hotel groups, airlines, tour operators, and 10 African tourism boards and 21 African countries represented here,” she said.
Lille said that the event was hosted under the mantra “Shaping Africa’s Tomorrow, Through Connection Today”.
She said a lot had changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the nation found it necessary and critical to reposition ATI to ensure it remains  relevant in the current environment.
“This positioning speaks to the essence of Africa’s Travel Indaba, bringing the world to Africa to positively influence the continent’s economic and cultural trajectories.
“To all the buyers present here today, you are critical in promoting Africa as a premier travel destination and thank you for continuing to partner with us in showcasing our continent’s diverse experiences and attractions.
“To all the African product owners, thank you for your contribution in creating a cohesive and thriving tourism sector that benefits communities and promotes faster economic growth,” she said.
Lille explained that the South African Department of Tourism keenly understood the value of tourism businesses, especially small to medium enterprises.
According to her, this is the reason she remains  proud of the investment  made in this regard,  as part of the department’s ‘Market Access Support Programme’ (MASP).
She said the department of tourism had supported 123 local small inbound tourism enterprises through its MASP, to showcase their products and services at the ‘Hidden Gems’ pavilion during ATI.
“The total value of support approved for the 123 enterprises amounts to R11.7million and this investment will enable these small businesses to display their unique products and services.
“It will also allow them to expand their networks, and foster partnerships that will drive the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry in South Africa,” she said.
Earlier, Nomasonto Ndlovu, acting Chief Executive Officer, South African Tourism (SAT), said the theme for the event was crafted with the observation of the enormous potential Africans possessed as well as their ingenuity.
“The theme for this year’s INDABA speaks directly to African countries’ immerse potential which will be showcased in the course of this expo.
“The energy here is absolutely electrifying and I am happy to be here today,” she said. (NAN)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran

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