FTAN asks Emmanuel to assent to two tourism bills

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) has appealed to Governor Udom Emmanuel to assent to the two tourism bills passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly before his exit on May 29.

The State House of Assembly passed two bills: one on the development of tourism heritage sites and another to give legal backing to Akwa Ibom State Hotels Management and Tourism Board to generate revenue within the sector in the state, two years ago but the bills still pending before Governor Udom Emmanuel for assent.

State Coordinator of FTAN, Mr Joseph Umoh said on Sunday in Uyo that the two bills would empower the association, the State Hotels Management and Tourism Board to implement the tripartite MoU signed by FTAN, the Board, and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on how to regulate tourism sector in line with international best practices.

“Though I have not seen the final copy of the bill sent to the governor for assent, I want to believe that our points as were articulated during the memorandum session in the House of Assembly have been incorporated into the bill.

“We looked at the bill holistically and agreed on those elements that will work favourably for the tourism sector. And we agreed that there is no way you can develop tourism independently without taking the travels and tour sector along,” he stated.

Umoh who is also the Chairman/Chief Entrepreneur Jous Ventures Leisure Group in the state appealed to the government to develop tourism sites and give it legal backing.

“The need to develop tourism sites in the state started in 2020. We sat down with the State Tourism Board and examined the professional sector and analyse how the bill would work.

“We made our opinion known as we appeared before the state House of Assembly and presented our Memorandum before the bill was sent to Governor Udom Emmanuel,” he said.

Umoh further explained that the state government has a duty to empower the state Tourism Board to generate revenue, adding that such leverage will reduce the financial burden of the state government.

He emphasised that if the tourism sector must prepare for the future, it must be empowered through the law to generate funds, and train practitioners and its institutions as well as facilities under it to enhance standards.

He said, “Every government has a duty to empower its tourism board to generate funds. This would reduce the state’s financial commitment. It will also provide employment while the tourism sector will develop rapidly.

“Don’t forget that in no distant future, we are going to have an International Airport in Akwa Ibom and the state will become a tourist hub. We won’t take care of only Nigerian travellers but other tourists from outside Nigeria who will consume our tourism products and such products must comply with international standards”.