The FCT chapter which is long overdue according to members who spoke with Travelpulse&MICE said it is a welcome development as it will help to strengthen the association passion to strategically explore and expose the tourism offering in the Northern zone of the country to the world.
According to the National President of NATOP, Mr Nkereuwem Onung who believed that experience is the new driver of the tourism industry, “ it is our sincere commitment to making tourism not only work in Nigeria but also to make it the new bride of the nation’s economy.
“This is one of the association’s mission statement to change the narration and commitment drive to contribute our quota to Nigeria’s economic agenda as the drivers of the tourism sector.
“We have continued to open newer tourism opportunities for people to explore and in the same vein commissioning new chapters to make our members close to the destination and potential experience seekers.
The new chairperson of the NATOP FCT, Hajia Bikisu, who saw the gesture as a dream come true for the association, was quick to commend the national leadership of NATOP for the step taken to extend the association’s tentacles to Abuja.
The event was attended by stakeholders in the public and private sector, among who are the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, President, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Saleh Rabo; Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr Gabe Onna; President, HATMAN, Alhaji Badaki Aliyu; Organiser Akwaaba African Travel Market, Mr Ikechi Uko; Mrs Fatima Garbati and other allied industry players.