By Eniola Idris
The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) South-West Zone, has expressed its readiness to partner with the Ekiti State Government to develop Community-Based Tourism (CBT) projects in the state.
The ATPN South-West Chairman, Prince Femi Fadina, who stated this during a working visit to the Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, said it was one of the major values and deliverable objectives of the group.
Fadina reiterated that ATPN was poised to assist the Ekiti Government and her various agencies in developing favourable policies for the development of a sustainable tourism sector in the state.
He noted that its expert advice would go a long way in establishing and investing a viable tourism sector, explaining that the body would consult all relevant stakeholders on issues that impact members’ businesses and profitability.
He assured that the synergy would provide international buyers with quality advice and reference that will assist in making informed decisions, expressing hopes and expectations of ATPN state chapter in moving the Ekiti State Tourism forward through a mutually productive partnership within the ministry and all identified stakeholders.
A Veteran, Prince Kayode Oni, who led the delegation, enjoined the state government to make use of the huge potential available in the sector, noting that the value chain present in tourism cannot be overemphasized.
In his response, the Commissioner, Prof. Ojo Bakare said the state looked forward to working with the ATPN especially in developing the tourism sector with a promise to do justice to the various requests and suggestions of the association.
