ATPN Pledges Support For Ekiti Govt On Establishment Of Community-Based Tourism Projects

Kamal Ajirotutu

ADO-EKITI - Towards ensuring the development and promotion of domestic tourism within Ekiti and Nigeria at large, the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria ( ATPN) SouthWest zone has said that it is ready to partner with  the government to develop Community-Based Tourism(CBT) projects to facilitate and support the  transfer of tourism assets to community ownership within the framework of state and federal policies and regulations.

The ATPN South West Chairman, Prince Femi Fadina stated this during a working visit to the Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, saying it was one of the major values and deliverable objectives of the group.

Prince Fadina who 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, 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' business 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.

In his introduction, 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.