By Anita Uzoagba
Mr Shola Ilupeju, the Chief Executive Officer of Travel Marketing Partner (TMP), says stakeholders have partnered to deploy biometrics and advanced technologies to enhance security in Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Ilupeju said this at a news conference on Monday, in Abuja, as part of activities for the 2-day inaugural National Tourism Safety and Security Technology Conference and Exhibition.
According to him, broad collaboration among security agencies, ministries and other stakeholders is critical to building a safe and resilient tourism industry.
He said the conference would be organised by TMP in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).
Ilupeju, who gave details of the conference said it would focus on improving safety across the tourism ecosystem.
He said the conference with the theme “Safe and Secure Destination: Key to Sustainable Tourism Development,” would promote the deployment of biometrics verification systems, modern security technologies and innovative risk management strategies.
“In an era where travel decisions are heavily influenced by a destination’s commitment to safety, the conference will address pressing industry challenges.
“Those challenges includes, highway security, infrastructure safety and legal obligations for hospitality providers,” Ilupeju said.
He said the event supported by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), would introduce the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX) initiative.
“Backed by the NTDA’s Director-General, NASTREX serves as a strategic tool to deploy technology that minimises industry risks, encourages local governance of safety and attracts vital investments into Nigerian tourism,” he said.
He noted that the conference would bring together tourism operators, security agencies, government officials, technology providers, insurers and other stakeholders to advance safe and sustainable tourism development in Nigeria.
He said the event was scheduled to hold from July 6 to July 7 at the Army Headquarters Command, Asokoro, Abuja.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ekemini Ladejobi