Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state has assured the eastern zonal leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies ( NANTA) of his support and collaboration to revive cultural tourism economy in the state.
Governor Nwifuru, who met with the vice president, Nanta Eastern zone, Mr Ehiogie Osaigbovo Hope, his executive and members in Abakaliki on Thursday last week, expressed his gratitude and willingness to partner with Nigeria’s biggest and most organised travel trade group to drive tourism in the state and across the entire Eastern region of Nigeria, noting that Ebonyi is a rich virgin destination undiscovered and waiting for the world.
” The visit of the nanta eastern region to us in Ebonyi is unprecedented, considering the power and reach of your association. We are happy to have nanta work with us, market us, and put us out there in the national and global space. We have the best road infrastructure presence, good hotels, and an airport that we believe will add to the wholesome tourism experience in our dear state. My commissioner of culture and tourism has my express mandate to have a round table discussion with you, study your proposals, and I assure you that it is a done deal, ” the governor stated.
On the proposed first ever eastern Nigeria tourism market, the governor disclosed that it is a dream that will resonate with the people of Ebonyi and the entire Eastern region, whose immense cultural tourism fortunes were undermined due to certain perceived insecurity issues,and other unsavoury unsubstantiated sociopolitical commentaries.
” Indeed, the NANTA eastern zone agenda in this regard is exciting and well thought out , and I must commend the leadership qualities of the vice president eastern zone for his commitment, vision, and dedication to see through the rebirth tourism activities in Ebonyi nay the entire region in less than three months in office. Mr Ehiogie O. Hope is a transformational leader, and a young man we here in Ebonyi is willing to work together with to chart a sustainable future in tourism, “Governor Nwafuru further explained.
Earlier in his address, NANTA Vice President Eastern Zone , Mr Ehiogie Osaigbovo Hope, informed the governor that the eastern zone of NANTA made of eleven states was in the state for their rotational zonal meetings and has established four training centres through strategic member partnership to provide opportunities on travel and tourism trade for youths in the region , who on graduation would be exposed to the best global practices with selected industry stakeholders who would mentor them and guide their future aspirations in the trade.
” We are grateful for this opportunity to work and help with the transformation of Ebonyi tourism. We have set up four zonal training centres and concluded plans to host the first eastern regional tourism fair and will touch grounds with each state in the region to add flip to the tourism offerings that they may have and we are going to partner with our local and international airlines in this agenda.”Mr Ehiogie Hope stated, pleading with the governor to support NANTA initiatives to drive the revival of cultural tourism economy in Ebonyi state which is pivotal to redefining the travel and entrepreneurer narrative in the region.
