January 2012

Tourism-Travel-Leisure News Undiluted

Vol.2 Issue 4, January 2012

www.africantraveltimes.com $4.00, N500.00

Crisis Looms As Edem Duke, Tourism Federation Head for Showdown What would have been hailed as a major milestone in the history of tourism development in Nigeria with the recent announcement by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, that President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the much anticipated ‘Tourism Development Fund’ is fast becoming a source of bickering.

Speaking on the presidential approval of the fund, the minister who was a guest on a popular television programme ‘Tuesday Night Life’ on Nigerian Television Authority [NTA], November 23rd, 2011 and later at a media chat with Journalists a month later in Calabar, said that the establishment of the fund would enable the ministry seek private sector funding for its tourism development programmes, but not sectoral development that would provide cheap loans for the industry as in the case of such arrangement in other sectors of Nigerian economy.

In addition to the Fund’s approval, the minister said, the president also pledged his support and continous encouragement for the development and growth of the tourism sector.

Instead of the tourism private sector jubilation, there are already major disagreements brewing up, even before the take off of the fund.

Sources within the rank and file of the FederaPage 10

Nigeria Is Gambia’s Fastest Growing Tourists Market – Secka The president of the Gambia Hotel Association [GHA], Alieu Secka, has said that Nigeria is the fastest growing tourists generating market for the Gambia.

He stated this in a chat with African Travel Times in Abuja during a visit to the Nigerian capital recently.

According to him, the emergence of regular airline services provided by two Nigerian airlines; Arik Air and Air Nigeria; backed by collaboration between the two countries’ practitioners was responsible for the surge in traffic of Nigerian tourists and even businessmen/women visiting the ‘Smiling Coast’ of West Africa as the Gambia is fondly known in the tourism parlance.

Alieu urged more Nigerians to consider the Gambia whenever they contemplate going abroad for holiday, honeymoon among others, positing that his country offers value for money than any other known destination in the sub-region.

He noted that following the economic tremor around the world in the last few years, Page 10

A Group of Passion-4 Band dancers during the Just concluded 2011 Calabar Carnival

To Succeed, Minister Must Carry Stakeholders Along – Practitioners

By Lucky Onoriode George

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t was a departure from the past when for the first time, a technocrat, High Chief Edem Duke, was appointed to lead the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation.The move was celebrated among genuine investors and tourism practitioners, who had posited that the failure of past ministers that have headed the ministry was merely failure of policy formulation and implementation, which had been the direct result of a culture of installation unsuitable person into key leadership positions.

Eng. Onofiok Ekong, the President of Hotel Owners Forum of Abuja [HOFA], who also is a fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Engineers, said, “While there may be extenuating circumstances which might appear to justify such appointment in the realm of politics, I am of the conviction that this is a luxury which we can ill-afford when it comes to the realm of tourism management.

“In the circumstances which we find ourselves today, I believe that the nation must utilize leaders who not only possess technical competence, but also have a measure of vision, audacity, honesty and independence.”

According him,“We should devise a method by which we can monitor and minimize parochialism,

which tend to retard the performance of technocrats who are otherwise suitably qualified for their appointments, an intractable hole which the present minister found himself in the last few months.”

In the time past, across the country, the distrust for these technocrats was borne of the fact that their sense of judgment got beclouded by their narrow sectional consideration that prompts the appointment of mediocre persons, under the guise of federal character.

We simply have no other choice than to be highly selective in appointing our key tourism managers, like the current minister, if we are to take the issue of restructuring the sector seriously.

Nigerians have been accustomed to blaming all the ills of the society on the shortcomings of the public sector.Though it is indisputable that the public sector in Nigeria has been responsible for providing leadership, it is also clear that little without a willingness on the part of citizens and corporate bodies to lend their support to government initiatives.

Today we cannot, but to appreciate the crop of leaders in the tourism ministry and its various agencies that can always raise their head with pride among their counterparts in the tourism industry from other countries.

It is against this background that the HOFA president stated, “I certainly believe that tourism will continue to stand above other sectors if we

can maintain the current tempo of our minister and strive to maintain this heritage and preserve it for future investors in tourism”.

However, Eng. Ekong has the following advice for the minister on the way forward. Positing that the minister may wish to think in terms of maximizing the usage of the available manpower in the ministry, informal contact should be made with experts and other operatives within tourism, which does not really require routine set of procedures, but just spontaneous and unrehearsed for the optimum benefits to be obtained.

There is certainly no chief executive of a tourism outfit or individual with meaningful contributions to make [based on his proven experience] who would not be flattered by an unannounced invitation by the minister to air his views on a particular subject which might help the minister in coming to grips with policy options that could move the sector forward.

Not only does this approach provide the minister with alternative points of reference [a useful tool for keeping aides on their toes], but it also exposes the minister to the various issues and personalities which he may have been unfamiliar with owing to time constraints imposed by his office.

I will also recommend the use of this informal Continues on page 10

January 2012 3

Publisher’s Note

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irst, I must apologise for skipping the November and December editions of Travel Times, now African Travel Times. Here is the real explanation:We had a delay of our search with the National Library that handles all newspapers, magazine and books registration that got to us very late.

Fortunate enough, African Travel Times has not been used anywhere in the world; unlike Travel Times that we have gladly given up.

We are also happy to announce that we have entered into an agreement with the organisers of the world’s largest annual travel exhibition, ITB-Berlin, Germany, as one of their media partners of the 2012 edition.

Through this, African Travel Times will be exhibiting as a separate participant, not under the Nigeria pavilion. Good news you would say.

In the last one year, I have been privileged to be involved in two major projects that when operational, no doubt could shape the future of the tourism industry in the sub region [West Africa].

While serving in the two important committees that are both critical to tourism standardization, development, promotion and marketing, myself and other committee members drawn from ECOWAS member nations travelled to several of the nations of the regional body.

To be candid, I have visited most ECOWAS member nations before, but the recent opportunity was to update my knowledge of the places I had visited and known before.

As a travel and tourism journalist, I know that a one-off visit is never enough for one to have full knowledge of the region or destination. However, a lot has changed and there are so many lessons that Nigeria can take away from the seemly smaller neighbouring countries that have exceeded many expectations in terms of tourism gains and progress over the years.

These countries, The Gambia, Senegal, Ghana and Benin have continued to make significant progress in the attempt to properly position tourism in their various countries.

Regrettably, that cannot be said of Nigeria.The nation’s tourism development and promotion is today merely seen as the popular ‘Tiv dance’ of one-step forward and two steps backward.

As has been rightly observed in Nigeria, the tourism sector has continued to build individuals and not institutions.

The leadership of the Nigerian Tourism

Development Corporation [NTDC], the most critical tourism institution in Nigeria, seems to have remained apart from the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation over the years, thereby stalling the progress that could have been achieved in the sector.

The aforementioned is also fuelled by ignorance of the leadership of the NTDC, who just believes that building tourism around individuals is more profitable to the nation than collaborating with other organs of government and most importantly the nation’s tourism organised private sector.

It is true that the leadership of the NTDC has instituted a master-servant relationship with the leadership of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria [FTAN], following serious pressure from a section of the tourism private sector, necessitating a peace meeting last year.

Almost a year after, in what I will refer to as ‘Rockview Hotel Accord,’ the NTDC cannot be said to have struck a genuine and sincere relationship with tourism’s organised private sector.

While the boss of the NTDC can do no wrong in the sight of the media, his wrongs and shortcomings that would have enabled him to channel all energies and goodwill available to that institution to good use have been dissipated in an uncharitable manners.

The NTDC boss has won all available awards that money can buy at the expense of the tourism agency.

Today in the country, the NTDC boss is the most charitable public servants in Nigeria. Maybe my friends who hang around him would be kind to this amiable man and tell him the truth that his main responsibility is to ensure proper marketing and promotion of Nigeria as a tourism destination.

He should be able to distinguish between mass tourism and other forms of tourism.

My God! How can such a well-travelled man not appreciate the reason d’etre for the establishment of the agency he leads?

Honestly speaking, the boss of the NTDC must have been hypnotised by those around him. Can he not see beyond his nose!

He has fought virtually all the ministers that have been in the ministry in recent memory. Could it be that the man is something that the rest of us are not?

I and other like minds would therefore hold the entire travel press responsible for the avoidable mistakes, which the energetic and generous boss of the tourism agency have made and could make in the remaining few years he has left in office.

CONTENTS

I have no doubt in my mind that the travel press and the larger media is responsible for the mistakes that the NTDC boss is making today.

As for the new tourism minister, the NTDC is the most essential government tourism agency in the country, whose sole responsibility is to market and promote Nigeria as a ‘destination’. Anything short of this responsibility is unacceptable.

Without mincing word, it is either the NTDC woke up to its responsibilities or it ceases to be.

To put records straight, African Travel Times is no enemy of the tourism agency and its leadership. If we choose, we could adopt the style common to many a member of the travel press; or even the larger media in terms of the way and manner they relate to the NTDC – just because we want to win the patronage of its leadership.

That is cheap, to say the least.

However, the survival and sustenance of African Travel Times and our other tourism operations is heavily hinged on, hopefully, a vibrant and well-managed tourism sector in Nigeria.

Once again, we restate our commitment that nothing would sway African Travel Times and its sister online publication, www.travelafricanews.com, from taking up the challenge.

African Travel Times and www.travelafricanews.com are set to maintain the basic tenet of publishing; build on the threelegged stool, a common industry metaphor, which emphasizes the importance of the three major components of every commercial publication namely, editorial, advertising and circulation.

Editorial content is what pulls in readers and allows them to buy the product.

Moreover, in order to make the product available to the public, the circulation department makes sure it is effectively distributed. Advertisers then make adpurchasing decisions based on how many people buy/read the magazine, and the resulting revenue, constitute what allows the business to survive.

With our sound marketing background, we also know that it is not just how well circulated the publication is that leads to a successful publication alone, but identifying the all-important niche market that would result in a positive result after-all.

For you our readers, we will remain resolute and steadfast in achieving what will support our entire tourism investments.

Happy New Year !

West Africa: Movenpick Hotels Makes Grand Entry Into West Africa

PAGE 7

Cross River Tourism Is On The Right Path

PAGE 8

Car Ser vice Operators At Airports Are Critical To Tourism Sector – Alex Edom

PAGE 21

TEAM

Publisher/Editor Lucky Onoriode George Winner, European Commission Lorenzo Natali Prize for Journalists Reporting Development, Human Rights and Democracy Researchers Richard Debrah, Rita Esiekpe Contributing Editors Kola Raji, Bridget Obi, Chike Osuagwu, Sheikh Tejan Nyang, Hilerus Edet

African Travel Times Is A Publication Of Tourism Today Communications Contact:

Office Theodak Plaza, Opp National Hospital, Suite 307, Central Business Area, Abuja

E-mail: info@travelafricanews.com www.travelafricanews.com

P. O. Box 6250, Festac Town, Lagos.

Tel: +234-8033546608, 08057984769

4 January 2012

Africa Expects 60 Million Tourists In 2012

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frica’s share of international tourist arrivals is expected to increase from 50 million to 60 million this year, according to the latest United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) barometer.

This is out of the landmark 1 billion international tourist arrivals expected to be attained this year worldwide.

UNWTO secretary general Taleb Rifai disclosed this at a news conference in Madrid, Spain, on Monday ahead of the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) which started yesterday in the Spanish capital.

The news conference held at the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid also marked the beginning of the international tourism calendar.

Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Tourism permanent secretary Amos Malupenga, other officials from the ministry and Zambia Tourism Board are in Madrid to attend the fair, which has brought together leading tourism experts to debate tourism policies and trends for 2012.

“Africa maintained international tourist arrivals at 50 million in 2011 but projections are that the continent will attain between 4 and 6 percent in international tourist arrivals in 2012,” said the UNWTO secretary general.

Giving an overview of international tourism results for 2011 and forecasts for this year, Mr Rifai said internationaltourist arrivals grew by 4.4 percent globally in 2011 to a total of 980 million, up from 939 million in 2010, a year characterised by a stalled global economic recovery, major political changes in the Middle East and North Africa as well as natural disasters in Japan.

“For a sector directly responsible for 5 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product, 6 percent of the world’s total exports and employing one out of every 12 people in advanced and emerging economies worldwide, these results are encouraging,” Mr Rifai said.

The UNWTO chief also advised governments to make international travel easier by taking advantage of the information and communication technologies to improve on visa application and processing formalities.

“Travel facilitation is closely interlinked with tourism development and can be key to boosting demand. This area is of particular relevance in a moment in which governments are looking to stimulate economic growth through tourism,” he said.

East African Single Tourist Visa Likely To Flop By www. theeastafrican.co.ke

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he much touted East African Single Tourist Visa is likely to flop as partner states dithered on harmonising policies and laws, analysts are warning.

The original plan was to have the regional common Tourist Visa in place in November 2006, but five years later, the document is still non-existent.

A task force appointed to study EAC’s preparedness for a single tourist visa discovered that the member countries are yet to set up basic infrastructure to facilitate EAC-bound tourists utilise the regional tourist visa system.

Findings of the study seen by The EastAfrican highlighted concerns such as harmonisation of immigration management systems as well as ICT systems used by the partner states to network with border points and embassies.

All partner states immigration departments need to have sophisticated ICT equipments that will not only allow them to exchange security data, but also detect and weed out fake visas.

Rwanda for instance has the requisite ICT equipment but is waiting for the other EAC member countries to acquire them as well.

Rwanda’s Minister of East African Community Affairs, Monique Mukaruliza says that much as Rwanda is ready to implement the EAC single tourist visa, it cannot go it alone.

The EAC Sectoral Council on Tourism and Wildlife Management is not happy too, saying the process had been long overdue.

As a result, the Council has, however, sanctioned the EAC Partner States which are prepared to introduce the single visa to proceed bilaterally under the principle of variable geometry.

In May 2011, the EAC announced that a single tourist visa that allows for travel to Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania and Rwanda would be operational in July 1, 2012, but now Ms Mukuraliza says beating the July 1 deadline is impossible.

The single EAC visa system, if enacted, is expected to allow visitors to use one visa to enter any of the countries in the EAC. The move to have the single EAC visa fol-

Najib Balala, Kenyan Tourism Minister lowed an appeal by tourism boards of partner states requesting for a common visa to accelerate promotion of the region as a single tourist destination.

Under the proposal, the visa would be issued by any partner state’s embassy abroad.

It is expected that the single visa will save potential tourists time and the anguish of having to hop from one embassy to another to apply for different visas to travel across the East African region.

Analysts say that although the EAC leaders have always expressed their enthusiasm to have the joint travel permit in place to facilitate free movement of visitors, very little has been done on the ground.

“Despite the high expectations that the East African tourists’ single visa would revolutionise the tourism sector in the region, the process is taking too long,” says Tanzania Association of Tour Operator executive officer, Sirili Akko.

Kenya’s Minister for Tourism, Najib Balala says fear of the unknown and unfounded suspicions harboured by some partner states, was holding back efforts to take the Community to the next level of integration.

“A single tourist visa will bring diversity which will in turn make East Africa one of the top tourist destinations not only on the African continent but in the entire world,” Mr Balala said.

Abu Dhabi To Host WTTC’s Global Summit In 2013 By www.wttc.org

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he World Travel & Tourism Council [WTTC] today announced that it will hold its 13th Global Summit in Abu Dhabi in April/May 2013. Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Etihad Airways will be official hosts of the biggest annual gathering of Travel & Tourism leaders.

WTTC’s decision was based on Abu Dhabi’s compelling presentation, the enthusiasm of government and industry agencies, accessibility of the destination, a high standard of capability and evidence of green tourism growth as a key development strategy.

Business Travel Show, 7-8 February 2012, David Scowsill, President & CEO of WTTC, Earls Court, London CNN anchor and televi- said “Our Global Summit is the most influential sion presenter Richard Quest will present a Travel & Tourism event of the year, bringing keynote address at the Business Travel Show at together almost 1,000 industry leaders, to 1230 on Tuesday 7 February 2012 at Earls Court tackle some of the most pressing issues facing in London.

Travel & Tourism today. I’m very pleased that Abu His address – ‘Richard Quest –Tales of a Road Dhabi will host our 2013 Global Summit. With Warrior’ – will see him talk about business travel its distinctive Arabian hospitality and world-class from the traveller’s perspective, including person- infrastructure, Abu Dhabi will be an enchanting al anecdotes collected during his two decades of destination for our top-level delegates.” globetrotting. In his busiest year, Quest travelled James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Business more than 350,000 miles and was on Officer, said: “We are delighted Abu Dhabi has the road for 300 days. Quest will also forecast been chosen to host the World Travel & Tourism economic projections for 2012 and reveal how Council’s Global Summit in 2013. Abu Dhabi’s they will likely impact the travel industry. global profile as a business and tourism destina-

CNN Anchor Richard Quest To Present Travel Show Keynote

tion rises by the day and the decision to make the emirate the venue for the Summit reflects this. Etihad Airways will do everything it can to support the Summit and to ensure delegates have the best possible experience.”

News of the award was enthusiastically received by ADTA. Its Director General, HE Mubarak Al Muhairi thanked WTTC for its confidence in the destination and pledged to fully support the summit.

“I can assure WTTC, its members and colleagues that they will receive the warmest of welcomes and highest levels of professional service from this emirate, which is rapidly emerging as a world-class meetings destination.

“This is a sterling example of two stakeholders coming together to achieve success.The joint ADTA-Etihad proposition hinged on providing a unique combination of benefits – the facilities and services of a leading international business centre coupled with the attractions and recreational possibilities of a luxury destination.

“We understand the 2013 summit will include a diverse and profound programme as well as numerous opportunities for people to interact in an environment that transcends disciplinary, cultural and national barriers.”

A Memorandum of Understanding between WTTC,ADTA and Etihad has been signed in the UAE capital.

January 2012 5

Tanzania: Tourism Training Institutes Join Forces By dailynews.co.tz

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Members of ECOWAS Hotels, Motels and Inn/ Tourist Guide Elaboration Task Force Committee In A Group Photograph In Conakry, Guinea.

International Tourism To Reach One Billion In 2012

By Hilerus Edet

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nternational tourist arrivals grew by over 4% in 2011 to 980 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

With growth expected to continue in 2012, at a somewhat slower rate, international tourist arrivals are on track to reach the milestone one billion mark later this year.

International tourist arrivals grew by 4.4% in 2011 to a total 980 million, up from 939 million in 2010, in a year characterised by a stalled global economic recovery, major political changes in the Middle East and North Africa and natural disasters in Japan. By region, Europe (+6%) was the best performer, while by subregion SouthAmerica (+10%) topped the ranking. Contrary to previous years, growth was higher in advanced economies (+5.0%) than in emerging ones (+3.8%), due largely to the strong results in Europe, and the setbacks in the Middle East and North Africa.

“International tourism hit new records in 2011 despite the challenging conditions,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “For a sector directly responsible for 5% of the world’s GDP, 6% of total exports and employing one out of every 12 people in advanced and emerging economies alike these results are encouraging, coming as they do at a time in which we urgently need levers to stimulate growth and job creation,” he added.

Europe surpasses the half billion mark in 2011 Despite persistent economic uncertainty, tourist arrivals to Europe reached 503 million in 2011, accounting for 28 million of the 41 million additional international arrivals recorded worldwide. Central and Eastern Europe and Southern Mediterranean destinations (+8% each) experienced the best results. Although part of the growth in Southern Mediterranean Europe resulted from a shift in traffic away from the Middle East and North Africa, destinations in the Mediterranean also profited from improved outbound flows from markets such as Scandinavia, Germany and the Russian Federation.

Asia and the Pacific (+6%) was up 11 million arrivals in 2011, reaching a total 216 million international tourists. South Asia and South-East Asia (both +9%) benefited from strong intrare-

gional demand, while growth was comparatively weaker in North-East Asia (+4%) and Oceania (+0.3%), partly due to the temporary decline in the Japanese outbound market.

The Americas (+4%) saw an increase of 6 million arrivals, reaching 156 million in total. South America, up by 10% for the second consecutive year, continued to lead growth. Central America and the Caribbean (both +4%) maintained the growth rates of 2010. North America, with a 3% increase, hit the 100 million tourists mark in 2011.

Africa maintained international arrivals at 50 million, as the gain of two million by Sub-Saharan destinations (+7%) was offset by the losses in North Africa (-12%). The Middle East (-8%) lost an estimated 5 million international tourist arrivals, totalling 55 million. Nevertheless, some destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates sustained steady growth.

Receipts confirm positive trend in arrivals Available data on international tourism receipts and expenditure for 2011 closely follows the positive trend in arrivals.

Among the top ten tourist destinations, receipts were up significantly in the USA (+12%), Spain (+9%), Hong Kong (China) (+25%) and the UK (+7%). The top spenders were led by emerging source markets – China (+38%), Russia (+21%), Brazil (+32%) and India (+32%) – followed by traditional markets, with the growth in expenditure of travelers from Germany (+4%) and the USA (+5%) above the levels of previous years.

International tourism on course to hit one billon in 2012 UNWTO forecasts international tourism to continue growing in 2012 although at a slower rate. Arrivals are expected to increase by 3% to 4%, reaching the historic one billion mark by the end of the year. Emerging economies will regain the lead with stronger growth in Asia and the Pacific and Africa (4% to 6%), followed by the Americas and Europe (2% to 4%). The Middle East (0% to +5%) is forecast to start to recover part of its losses from 2011.

These prospects are confirmed by the UNWTO Confidence Index. The 400 UNWTO Panel of Experts from around the globe, expects the tourism sector to perform positively in 2012, though somewhat weaker than last year.

Governments urged to facilitate travel As destinations worldwide look to stimulate travel demand under pressing economic conditions, UNWTO is urging governments to consider advancing travel facilitation, an area in which in spite of the great strides made so far there is still much room for progress. UNWTO advises countries to make the most of information and communication technologies in improving visa application and processing formalities, as well as the timings of visa issuance, and to analyze the possible impact of travel facilitation in increasing their tourism economies.

“Travel facilitation is closely interlinked with tourism development and can be key in boosting demand. This area is of particular relevance in a moment in which governments are looking to stimulate economic growth but cannot make major use of fiscal incentives or public investment,” said Mr. Rifai.

raining Institute [VHTTI] have established a partnership with the Kenya Utalii College [KUC] as an effort to strengthen the tourism sector.

The plan also aims to ensure equal service delivery within the East African region, VHTTI Principal Mrs Flora Hakika has said. She said the partnership would ensure the market with qualified and competent candidates in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Mrs Hakika was speaking in Dar es Salaam on Monday during a hospitality and tourism stakeholders’ forum organized byVETA in collaboration with KUC. According to her, the two colleges will provide in-service training to the local hotels at an affordable fee and would also carry out exchange programmes between the two learning institutions.

VHTTI located in Arusha started operating last month and has been able to enroll about 160 full time students in hospitality and tourism industry courses.

“We expect that, this partnership will support VETA’s efforts in increasing capacity to plan, develop and deliver demand-driven, competency based vocational training to the hospitality and tourism industry,” she said.

In his speech, the Managing Director of Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), Dr Aloyce Nzuki, said that the partnership was a milestone achievement in the tourism sector especially in improving the quality of services.

He said the tourism industry needs qualified service providers to ensure equal services in the region.

Speaking at the same occasion, Director of Studies at KCU, Mr Charles Gitonga said that there was a big gap between hospitality and tourism services provided in the country compared to Kenya and that the partnership would fill up the gaps.

He said Kenya has been successful in producing qualified and competent candidates in the sector due to good tourism policies introduced in the 1960s. He said it was through the partnership that most Tanzanians will have a chance to be trained and become competent in the sector in a cost effective way.

One of the stakeholders, Rose Odemba of Wande Store Ltd, said that the partnership would bring trust amongTanzanians on the graduates from VHTTI since most of the competent employees in managerial position in the hotels are from Kenya.

Ghana Lanches A New Tourism Event: “African Choral Festival”

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n the quest to attract more tourists to the country, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ghana Tourism Authority has launched a new tourism event, The African Choral Festival dubbed “Africa Sing Aloud” would have its maiden edition from 8th – 13th March 2012 at Ghana’s National Theatre in Accra and the Cape Coast Castle.

The big event would be preceded by series of competitive choral concerts across Ghana to determine three choral groups which would represent Ghana at the event. Various speakers at the launch which took place at the plush Golden Tulip Hotel praised the creators of the event.

The president of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana Mr. Gordon Adoboe pledged the support of the private sector of the tourism industry to woo more choral groups to the

maiden and future events.

Choral groups from across the world are encouraged to register and be part of the event. This event is not limited any particular kind of lyrical appeal, once the music is presented in choral genre, it is ok. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Julius Debrah intimated that the maiden event is almost over booked.

Hon. Akua Sena Dansua, the minister of tourism of Ghana who launched the festival was impressed with the massive response from by choral groups from across the world.

The choral groups would also be given tours to places of interest in Ghana. Ghana in recent times has been creating events to attract tourists to Ghana, this could probably be the result of the understanding that, the country cannot rely solely on natural attractions.

6 January 2012

Prophet T.B Joshua’s Synagogue Turns Location Into Hotels!

[L-R] Mariam Tumise, Nse Obong Okon Ekong, an Editor with ThisDay Newspaper and Olusoga Busayo, dressed in Masta Blasta’s costume during the just concluded Calabar Carnival.

South Africa’s Sun City To Invest $800 Million In Sri Lanka Tourism

“That decision is finalized. That is one of the biggest investment.”

Elanza Joubert, Sun City Resort’s deputy outh Africa’s Sun City resort will ininventory manager at events and entertainvest $800 million in a tourism project ment department, said in an e-mail response in Sri Lanka, the head of the island to Reuters questions that the company would nation’s state-run Tourism Board said not comment on the plan until the new year. on Friday. Sun City resort is run by The government said in July it was expectSouth African gaming and hotels group Sun ing at least $1.5 billion in foreign investment International Ltd. in a proposed “tourist city” that includes four It will be the largest ever investment in five-star hotels, shopping and a convention the country’s leisure sector, which is booming centre in Katana. since the end of a 25-year war in May 2009.

Record Revenue, Arrivals “Sun City of South Africa is now going to Sri Lanka has seen a remarkable rise in its make an $800 million investment in a 200post-war leisure industry with tourist arrivals acre private property,” Nalaka Godahewa, expected hit a record 820,000 and revenue head of the Tourism Board told Reuters in to rise to a record $800 million, jumping 25 an interview. percent and 39 percent from a year earlier, The investment will be made on Sri Lanka’s respectively. hotel city in Katana, a coastal town located 15 “Next year, more than the number, we are km north of the commercial capital, Colombo, concerned about the revenue. So the expectahe said.

tion is to hit $1 billion revenue and perhaps 950,000 arrivals,” Godahewa said.

He expects 1.3 million tourist arrivals in 2013 and 1.6 million in 2014, gradually reaching the country’s 2016 target of 2.5 million visitors with a target revenue of $1,000-$1,100 per tourist.

Godahewa also said the Tourism Board is seriously considering security issues after a British tourist was killed last week.

“We have asked the defence authorities and all the security establishments to be supportive in protecting tourists as it is going to be a $1 billion industry.”

In January Sri Lanka signed agreements with Hong Kong-based Shangri La Asia for a $500 million complex with high-end retail facilities, deluxe apartments and a 500-room luxury hotel in Colombo and a 300-room city resort on approximately 100 acres in Hambantota on the southern coast.

Africa Travel Association 2012 Congress hosted by Zimbabwe

met with representatives from the tourism sector and the media.

The ATA delegation also met with Ambassador Charles Ray, US Ambassador to Zimbabwe who expressed his support with the following statement: “Zimbabwe offers a ‘World of Wonders’ to tickle the fancy and sense of adventure of the full array of international travelers…Your visit to Zimbabwe will bring a smile to your face for a lifetime. I applaud ATA’s vision in hosting its 37th Annual Congress in Victoria Falls and opening the world’s eyes to what Zimbabwe has to offer. I look forward to seeing you by the Falls in May.” The 2012 Congress will address timely industry topics such as web-based PR and online communications tourism promotion, and the latest travel trends in Africa.The Congress also offers a wide range of networking events, including receptions and gala dinners. ATA’s Young Professionals Program, representing travel, tourism and hospitality students and young professionals from North America and Africa, will also participate in the event.

ATA’s 36th Annual World Congress in Senegal was held in Dakar, Senegal in May 2011 under the banner “Destination Senegal: A Tourism Gateway Inspired by Culture, Heritage and Arts.”

By www.reuters.com

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he Honorable Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Engineer Walter Mzembi, and Executive Director of the Africa Travel Association (ATA), Edward Bergman, announced today that Zimbabwe will host ATA’s 37th Annual World Congress in the resort town of Victoria Falls in May 2012.

“It is indeed an honor to be the proud host of the ATA’s 2012 World Congress. The 37th annual Congress in Zimbabwe will afford the delegates an opportunity to experience our many attractions.” said Honorable Minister Mzembi.“We look forward to telling our story about Zimbabwe, A World of Wonders.”

The five-day congress will kick off in the world’s adventure capital, Victoria Falls, on Friday, May 18. Among the expected 300 participants are tourism ministers, tourism board heads, private sector leaders, travel industry professionals, including product buyers and sellers, travel trade media, scholars and African

Diaspora leaders.

ATA was last in Zimbabwe in 1988, when the congress was held in Harare and, after 23 years, we’re proud to be heading back,” said Bergman. “We are positive that the 2012 congress will attract leading tourism experts from across the globe. It will surpass all expectations and is an event not to be missed.”

Zimbabwe, also known as “a world of wonders,” boasts a wide array of attractions, including its own seven wonders: (1) People and culture; (2) History and heritage; (3) Great Zimbabwe (grand medieval palace); (4) Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya); (5) Wildlife and nature; (6) Eastern Highlands; and (7) Lake Kariba. Delegates will sample some of these wonders during the Host Country Day and by participating in pre and post congress tours.

This announcement follows a recent ATA trip to Zimbabwe hosted by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, as well as the Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Mr. K. Kaseke, where the delegation

By www.societynowng.com

H

otels of many colouration are springing up at the location and environs of Synagogue Church of All Nations with celebrated Pastor,Temitope Balogun Joshua as front person.

Sources attribute this development to large number of ‘believers’ that throng the place, especially from out of state.

Synagogue Church Of All Nations is located at Ikotun, Egbe Lagos.

It enjoys massive followership from far and near- including international visits from individuals and organisations.

Sources explained that, even with the recent multi-million naira renovation carried out at the place, the church find it ‘extremely hard’ to ‘accommodate’ its visitors.

Investigations by societynowwng.com revealed that residents and landlords in the area have taken up the challenge for commercial purposes.

Societynowng.com confirmed that Houses are being converted into hotels by the day.

Visits to the area revealed not less than six hotels in advance stages of conversion on the main road in the area- others are said to be at the same stage inside ‘streets’ around the location of the church.

Aside this, residents in the area are said to ‘quarter’ visitors to the church for a fee in their rooms.

This practice is said to be rampant at weekends and during ‘special prayer sessions and programmes’ Sources claimed this development is stealthily increasing ‘leisure business’ in the area by the day.

Meanwhile- there are talks that head man of the church, Prophet T.B Joshua has acquired an expanse of land in another part of Ikotun, Ijegun to build a Synagogue extension that might take care of the accommodation void.

The claim is unconfirmed.

The man attracting such huge interest and visits, Prophet T.B Joshua is a Christian, minister, televangelist and faith healer.

He also provides aid to minorities and the underprivileged on national and international scales via Another Ministry.

Holder of National Honour of OFR, he is listed as one of the most influential and wealthiest pastors in Nigeria.

January 2012 7

West Africa: Movenpick Hotels Makes Grand Entry Into West Africa.

By Masahudu Ankiilu Kunateh

M

ovenpick Hotels & Resorts yesterday announced its entrance into the West African hospitality industry, with the commissioning of the plush 260-room by the Vice President, H.E John Dramani Mahama in Accra.

Originally built and presented as a gift by the United Kingdom to Ghana after gaining independence in 1957, the completely rebuilt Movenpick Ambassador Hotel is located downtown Accra, in the central business district, and close to Ministries area, financial institutions and National Theatre, among others.

The hotel has a collection of over 1,500 pieces of art, including a huge portrait of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. All the hotel rooms are spacious, luxurious, free high-speed internet, with 40-inch LCD television.

The hotel also features 61 Executive Club rooms with their exclusive

Swimming Pool

Facade

dedicated 24-hour club lounge, 15 junior suites and a palatial 350 square metre presidential suite, all overlooking the pool and gardens.

In an address, Vice President John Dramani Mahama thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the magnificent work done at re-building the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, and appealed to Asian investors to come and invest in Ghana’s hospitality industry.

The new owner of the hotel, His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdul-Aziz Alsaud, the Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company and Chairman of Kingdom Hotel Investments, indicated that “the project is a very strong testimony of Saudi Arabia-Ghana relationship”.

He noted that with the commercial production of oil in large quantities, Ghana’s business potentials are expected to be enhanced and announced plans to provide charitable services to Ghanaians. Main Lobby Jean Gabriel Pérès, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mvenpick Hotels & panding our portfolio internationally and Resorts, said “Movenpick Ambassador regionally, with upscale city centre hotels Hotel Accra is a shining example of ex- in vibrant urban locations.

“We have overwhelming confidence in the region both for business and for its fledgling tourist industry and are committed to developing more hotels in strategic locations in the African Continent.”

Movenpick Hotel Accra offers its own sublime escape from the bustle of the city life. The 16 acres of lush landscaped gardens give the hotel a resort-like feel and include the largest swimming pool in Ghana - so large that the staff serves poolside guests on roller blades to ensure the drinks stay perfectly chilled.

“We are very excited with the hotel opening. Accra is becoming the economic hub of the West African region, which offers such rich and diverse natural and economic potential.

“Now, with the Mvenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra, we blend the warmth of West African culture with the quality, reliability and the personalized service that Movenpick Hotels & Resorts offer.” said Stuart Chase, the hotel’s General Manager.

Presence at the ceremony were the Her Royal Highness, Princess Ameerah Altaweel, Vice Chairwoman, Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation, the Chief Executive Officer of Kingdom Hotel Investments, Sarmad Zok, some government officials and captains of industries.

8 January 2012

When it comes to the tourism and hospitality industry in Nigeria and Cross River State in particular, MR. CHARLES OGAR, chair of Hoteliers Association in the state, may be said to know it all. The executive director of Pyramid Hotel in this interview with African Travel Times’ IKE UCHECHUKWU bares it all on the challenges facing the tourism industry in the state.

Excerpts:

Cross River Tourism Is On The Right Path The Man My name is Charles Ogar. I am the executive director of Pyramid Hotels and chair of Hoteliers Association of Cross River State. I am happily married with children.

State of tourism in Cross River I will say yes and no. Yes because Nigeria is talking about tourism potentials and tourism possession. No because the potentials are not been fully harnessed. Cross River State, for instance, has what it takes to become a tourism giant in Africa. If you visit South Africa, you will understand what I am saying. Go to Johannesburg, one of the most dangerous cities in the world. However, for our people, the hospitality of Nigerians, the warmth and receptiveness is quite different from what you get in South Africa.

South Africa is coming out of the Apartheid regime and you will find out that there is still acrimony between the blacks and the whites, which therefore results in violent crimes.

But then, they have been able to

manage this state of affairs very well.

When you get to Johannesburg, they arrange their tour packages in such a way that the tour guide knows exactly what to do. You cannot say the same thing about Lagos, for instance. When you go outside Nigeria, people generally discuss only the negative aspect – crime rate, insecurity, lack of power and so on. Nobody talks about areas like Calabar. The challenges and problems that we are facing in our tourism are issues that good and effective marketing, good media presentation can easily surmounted.

People say you cannot come to Cross River State without coming to Lagos when coming from abroad.

So, how do they bypass Lagos to Calabar? That does not hold water at all. If you watch travel channels, they consistently highlight all the things we have here in Cross River State. They talk about resort, hotels, wild life, and scenic views.The last time I visited Johannesburg, I was surprised when the tour guide was telling me how many trees they have – about two hundred

thousand trees. I was wondering why he was telling me about trees, but the way he put it got me interested because he was so passionate and that aroused my interest to ask what kind of trees they are; whether they are commercial trees or ones for environmental protection.

Hospitality industry in Calabar and Cross River State When you have the people, you have the market. Of course, the first carnival was tagged the Christmas Festival and that was the view of the government then – to create something that would be unique and in line with the season. Since then, it has not gone out of that notion. Before now, you get calls before the end of November for hotel bookings and reservations because people are excited. But our culture here is that during Christmas, people travel to their villages. That is the culture generally in Nigeria even during holidays. People travel to their villages but when the festival starts people decide to start coming to

January 2012 9 Calabar. Now you have the combination of both young and old coming to Calabar for two weeks to experience the street party.

When people have that first experience, they actually want to come back to have a repeat of those moments; and of course Calabar is a city where security is taken for granted. My friends come with so much excitement from Akwa Ibom State, Anambra State, Lagos, Abuja, Abia State among others. And when come, they move around in the night without apprehension that the police will harass them or be attacked by hoodlums.

Then, the market was there and the hotels then used to be fully booked.

However today, I do not think such opportunities are still available. As at the time of this interview, if you ask around, no hotel can confirm they have gotten more than five or ten confirmed bookings, which is very unusual. This shows that something is wrong somewhere.

How to Reposition the industry I think the first thing is marketing and I think the marketing is getting faulty and stalled. I don’t know what is wrong. Perhaps it has to do with budgeting. However, I know that the kind of hype that was created then for the festival was very high. In Lagos, for instance all the television stations were showing previous carnivals and so on. There was a concerted effort to consistently engage the media in Nigeria.And at that time, people would be calling that they saw the carnival on TV and it was very fantastic. I think it has to do with aggressive marketing to ensure acceptability. Take Coca-Cola, for instance, their constant marketing, repackaging, rebranding of the contents maybe with a new flavour but is still Coca-Cola and it is one of the strongest brands and this has been so because of constant bombarding on the airwaves. Come to think of it, the government then tried agriculture they even tried planting pineapples but it did not work. If you have been to Cross River long enough, you would agree with me that the carnival has really opened up the state.

The strength of destination Cross River brand We own the brand, but how to sustain it in the market is another thing.

Before now, Indomie noddles was not the first to come into the market, but when you consider the aggression that the makers of Indomie came into the market with, even when you want to buy noodles, you will even tell the seller to give you Indomie. This is because they came with so much media hype, they identified with children’s programmes and competitions, erected billboards everywhere and they are coming with different flavours; yet it was still Indomie.

When you say destination Cross River, internationally people know that there is a destination in Nigeria called Cross River. Some people have not visited the place before, and for those who have visited they always want to come back if they can, but we

must add value, we must restructure, add flavor, make it more attractive and more exciting so that it does not become boring.

By creating events, beautifying destinations, putting tour guides in place so that they would be difference from the previous ones. Through such, you would be creating suspense in the minds of the tourists.

Hotel taxation in Cross River State Every arm of government wants to generate internal revenue and their first port of call is businesses that look visible and of course if you say visible,

Hotel Association’s role in ensuring standards Firstly, you have to encourage the operators after they must have registered with the tourism bureau; and the association will make sure that the people operate professionally and that is the basic things about standards. People have travel plans either to go for a high budget, moderate or hotel that has basic amenities. In Europe there are some hotels that are referred to as budget hotels, so when you talk about standard, it does not mean you must have a Jacuzzi and that is the more

”

When you say destination Cross River, internationally people know that there is a destination in Nigeria called Cross River. Some people have not visited the place before, and for those who have visited they always want to come back if they can, but we must add value, we must restructure, add flavor, make it more attractive and more exciting so that it does not become boring.

you are talking of hotels because the buildings are conspicuous. For this reason, hotels are the first point of attack and they don’t really want to know if your business is doing well or not.

The numerous taxes by government and its agencies add to the cost of doing business all the time with different names for various forms of taxes that we are trying to hamonise.

”

reason why we have STARS [ratings]

Five star hotels in Cross River Does Nigeria have any five star hotel? Again, standards will sort out rating. We are supposed to have information and data of the hotels, their location, rooms, facilities will enable people make their choices.

I am not a standard compromiser,

but you cannot talk about standard without occupancy.

As for the new comers into the business, financially capable, good structures and facilities you will find out that with lack of occupancy you will see that the structures will start to loose value and facelift because of lack of maintenance and this leads to low patronage.

So for standards to be maintained, you need good occupancy to do that.

Readiness of the hotel association for endless possibilities It is still a burden on the associa-

tion in the sense that, people have not realised that the tourism we have in Cross River today has about 60 -70% of physical investments; such as Obudu Mountain Resort, Tinapa Lakeside Hotel, and so on.

Apart from the Calabar Carnival, all other tourism investments in Cross River State has to do with the hospitality industry that includes, hotels, eateries, among others, and are fast becoming the highest employer of labour in the state due to its value chain status. But right now, members are beginning to realise that the industry is huge and has a lot of positive potentials, so they have started taking things seriously. Some who do not have a clear philosophy of what the association stands for before, now understand the veritable role we play and what they stand to benefit.

10 January 2012

Akwaaba, Another Buoyant Outing

Segun Runsewe, NTDC Boss, Ikechi Uko, Akwaaba CEO, Tokunbo Afikuyomi, former Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations, and K. G. B. Ogbuakwa, former Federal House Committee Chairman on Tourism and Culture at the 2011 Edition of Akwaaba at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos

T

here is no doubt that the number of participants at the annual Akwaaba Travel Fair is adding up. For a while now, the fair is becoming West Africa’s leading travel and tourism trade exhibition.

This, according to many travel trade operators, was building on the legacies of the phenomenal successes of the previous editions.

The 2011 edition has once again provided the platform for travel and tourism businesses to promote intra-regional activities.

This year’s event is the 7th edition of Akwaaba: African Travel Market that held between October 18-20, 2011 recently at Eko Hotel & Suite, Lagos which provided the opportunity for business exchange and networking for about 50 exhibitors and over 2000 visitors that cut across the different sections of the travel and tourism industry.

The strong presence from the aviation industry, including airlines, federal aviation parastatals, international airlines, points to the potential of the fair to the Nigerian aviation industry.

On the list of top airlines in attendance were embattled British Airways, Emirate Airline, Ethiopia Airline, Kenya Airways, South Africa Airways, and many others.

Asides from airlines, hotels and few travel agents, countries like Ghana and the Gambia have consistently use the platform to woo investors; at best Nigerian tour operators market their countries as favoured destinations for holiday, seminars and conferences.

Olusegun Runsewe, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation [NTDC], declared this year’s fair opened and elaborated on the potentials of Akwaaba which, according to him, has become a major tourism event in the calendar of tourism practitioners across West African sub-region.

According to Otunba,“Akwaaba will always be a statement in West Africa, the event is expanding each year, and that is the reason we need to continually celebrate the fair,” and declared this year’s edition as a huge success.

The development was heart-warming going by the calibre of exhibitors from both the tourism industry and airlines, which un-

Crisis Looms As Edem Duke, Tourism Federation Head for Showdown Page 1

tion of Tourism Associations of Nigeria [FTAN], whose members are the core practitioners and operators in the tourism industry in Nigeria have also picked holes in the statement credited to the minister in the media that the fund will be distributed in line with the vision of the ministry.

According to him, “Our vision is that 70 per cent of the tourism fund will go to visual art, an aspect will go toward the provision of tourism infrastructure, while a percentage will be set aside for the development of tourism products as well as training” Duke said.

Meanwhile, sources in the sector are of the opinion that if what have been reported is true of what the ministry would do with the fund eventually, it is nothing but a deviation from the normal application of similar funds where they exist.

According to them, such funds are for the tourism industry practitioners to secure cheap loans, cum incentive with certain percentage also set aside for tourism development, promotion and marketing of the country, rather than the wild geese dream that the minister is proposing.

A practitioner who pleaded anonymity noted that the supposed fund will be generated through taxing of users of travel and tourism facilities and wonder why the minister will be talking of setting aside a chunk of 70 per cent for the visual art, a sector that is contributing nothing to the fund.

However in a separate chat with ‘African Travel Times’ the minister said that the federal government is not making any initial contribution to the fund, but all proceeds will be raised through taxes that users/consumers of travel and tourism products and services will pay.

He said that the approved tourism development fund was not different from the one proposed under President Olusegun Obasanjo, but was only modified based on the understanding of the present economic team of government.

Under the new arrangement, hotels, airline tickets are among avenues through which the fund will be generated.

Practitioners are of the opinion that the minister would have convened a stakeholders meeting, where all the details and modus operandi of the fund management would have been articulated before making it a media affair.

Investigations by African Travel Times also reveal that the ministry was yet to communicate to the organised tourism private sector, whose initiative under the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo led to the fund establishment now.

Following these emerging developments, the minister, who was once the president of the organised tourism private sector body [FTAN], has revealed little of what the industry was expecting him to be- the messiah.

derscores the importance of the fair in the country.

The 2011 Akwaaba witnessed real passion

by Ghanaian Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Gambian Tourism Board at selling their tourism potential to visitors at their stands.

That answers the question of the too many Nigerians trooping to these countries and why the tourism boards are always at the fair.

The three-day event witnessed thousands of visitors trooping into the venue for possible bargains. There were also awards to deserving tourism practitioners and organisations.

Among the individual award recipients were Chinyere Kalu, the first female pilot in Nigeria, Mohammed Sheriff, a lecturer with the Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, hotels amongst others.

Speaking on his award, Sheriff expressed his happiness for being given the award, promising to work harder in the service of the country.

Some highlights of the fair were the Gambia and Ghana days on the second day of the fair.

The Gambia delighted visitors and participants with their national cuisine.Angela Colley, the Gambian High Commissioner to Nigeria, was on hand to fete visitors. She called for greater co-operation between her country and Nigeria, and also used the opportunity to woo Nigerian tourists to the country.

“Promotion of regional tourism is very important to the Gambia.Tourism builds national understanding and peace,” she stated. James Agyenim Boateng, Ghana’s deputy minister for tourism, also led the Ghanaian delegation to Nigeria. Ghana marked her day with special delicacies from the country.

Speaking further on the fair, the NTDC director general, reassured potential investors that the country was safe and poised to receive their investments in the sub-sector, with definite positive returns.

The NTDC boss noted that “Nigeria remains a favourite tourism destination with the present collaboration between all stakeholders, especially with the government now realising the prospects that tourism hold as the largest employer of labour all over the world.”

“Akwaaba has been able to unite the travel trade industry within the sub-region, and we in Nigeria have started marketing our destinations and tourism products,” Runsewe opined.

Gambia: Nigeria Is Our Fastest Growing Tourists Generating Market - Secka Page 1

Alieu Secka, President Gambia Hotel Association

tourists figures have been dipping and Nigeria come handy as the next big market, which his country could easily turn to.

Just like South Africa, the Gambia has been participating at major tourism events in Nigeria with the view to promoting Gambia as a ‘Preferred Holiday’ and business destination.

To Succeed, Minister Must Carry Stakeholders Along – Practitioners Page 1

contact system with principal stakeholders in the Federal Tourism Association of Nigeria [FTAN], to enrich their contribution through such contacts.

Another aspect that needs the urgent attention of the minister is the issue of the relationship between the ministry and tourism-related bodies.This relationship will have to be more clearly defined if the sector is to be conducted with some element of consistency and professionalism.

As in elsewhere, after policy has been determined by government [hopefully with practitioners taken into confidence], the purely business aspect of the implementation schedule should be left to those who are experts in this area, namely the tourism practitioners.

I admonish caution on the part of the ministry and its numerous agencies being supervisors of the tourism industry to ensure that conflicts are not allowed to exist between the normal operational duties and its supervisory responsibilities.

In this respect, the ministry and agencies under its watch should divest most of its commercial operations, deploy its resources and energies into its supervisory, and control function.

Also speaking, Alhaji Kabir Malan, former President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents [NANTA], said,“While it is true that we have been clamoring for a professional tourism minister, now that we have one, we need to have all hands on deck to ensure the success of his tenure.”

Kabir Malan noted that the onus lies on the minister to invite all reputable and tested hands for a round-table chat to look at capacity building, upgrade skills and attitudes of tourism practitioner.

On Abuja Carnival, he noted that people with little or nothing to give in the planning and execution of an annual event of such magnitude has hijacked the show.

“We have to be honest to ourselves to have good hands that can deliver,” Kabir said. FTAN must be at the front in the planning and execution of events like this and that is the surest way to success.

According to him, “I believe one of the most disappointing things in tourism development is the dismal failures of government to tackle the tourism honestly” He pointed out that the establishment of tourism, registration, classification and grading, which though have been on going for over a decade, have made little or no appreciable impact.

Tourism is private sector driven, and the civil service should be at the background; and as such, FTAN should be empowered through proper funding to put the tourism industry on strong footing.

On his part, Mr.Andy Enahire noted that there is a leadership vacuum in the tourism sector. He also bemoaned what he called collective amnesia in the industry.

He said that the aforementioned have remained the root cause of stagnation that has continued to arrest the development of what is supposed to be a vibrant industry in Nigeria – failure to measure up with the basic expectations of a result-oriented leadership.

He stressed that a situation whereby for several months or even years after leaders take charge of executive portfolios and yet the stakeholders are kept waiting for a comprehensive agenda to emerge, is unacceptable.

“Nigeria needs such agenda that are packed with action plans that state clear goals and their sequencing, along with timeline right up to the end of the leader’s tenure, is all what is now urgently needed, including those agenda that remain permanent working documents or roadmaps for future administrations,” Enahire said.

He also noted, therefore, that the true essence of a focused professional leadership is to give value through a comprehensive, verifiable agenda with popular ownership from the inception, and in a manner that is both transparent and accountable.

He urged the ebullient High Chief Duke not to take tourism through another tortuous route, but should rather promptly point the direction in which he is leading the sector.

Photos from 2011 Akwaaba Fair in Lagos Cross River State Tourism Bureau team at Akwaaba 2011

African Sun group at 2011 Akwaaba.

[M] Kwesi Mantey, of Travel Xpress Hotel and his colleagues from Holiday Inn & Atlantic Hotel all from Ghana

Protea Angels team

South African Airways staff attending to visitors

African Regency Accra.

Ethiopia Airways.

Photos from 2011 Akwaaba Fair in Lagos Gambian tourism delegates at Akwaaba 2011

Thobi Duma, South African Airways Country Manager

Emirates reps

Lonrho Hotel Management Company representatives

Abby Sarr, Director, Public Relations & Marketing, The Kairaba Beach Hotel, Gambia at Akwaaba 2011

NCAA Stand at Akwaaba 2011

Mr Tejan Nyang of the Gambia and Mr. Michael Williams of Cross River State Tourism Bureau

Photos from 2011 Akwaaba Fair in Lagos United Airways stand at Akwaaba 2011

Ghanian Tourism stand

Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos team

Kenyan Airways stand

Southern Sun stand

Remlords

British Airways stand

January 2012 15

Chief Ekwuemekan Alex Edom, is the National President of Airports Car Hire Association of Nigeria. The car service operators play a critical role in the travel and tourism business in any destination as the first contact with travellers. In this interview with Lucky Onoriode George, he spokes on challenges facing his members. Excerpts:

Q

:Challenges As you know, the airports are the gateway to any country and city. For that reason, we airports car hire operators play an important role in the travel and tourism industry. Therefore, to join us, we screen every new member thoroughly.

In fact, we seek to ascertain every applicant literacy level, background information on such person former place of work and contacts. Education wise, you just have to be literate to be able to communicate with passengers.

Times past, the quality of vehicles were not very good. Now, things have greatly changed.Apart from the vehicles, drivers mode of dressing have also changed too because travellers, mostly foreigners are used to good looking and better vehicles.

All our cars are tracked and our drivers are well trained. We are different from the everyday drivers on Nigerian roads or cities.

Succinctly put, we have been able to build travellers confidence.

Issues There is a wrong perception about our operations. It is true that we are out there to make profit.

However, we are rendering a very crucial service; at the same time, helping people.

I cannot recollect how many times I have personally intervened just to help travellers who have run out of cash by providing free transportation just for them to get to their final destinations.

For travellers to also get value for their money; passengers are allowed to select any car of their choice, rather than forcing them in the name of being on the queue and we have marshals who conduct regular training programme for us.

All I mentioned are instituted for the safety of the travelling public.

Arrangement with hotels I recollect vividly that in 1992, Hilton Hotel was N300.00 per night and Agura another major hotel was N75.00.

Then, the hotels give meals to our members that bring guest to the hotel. Today, some gives between the N500.00 to N1, 000.00.

Cars for members During Malam Nasir el-rufai tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory [FCT] in 2005, 60 out of the first set of 100 Abuja Green Cars were procured by our members. Again in 2008, we also acquired another 50 pieces of 406 Peugeot from Peugeot Automobile of Nigeria [PAN] that were financed by First Bank.

Our members were only requested to make a deposit of about 20 per cent of the value of the car then and the rest is spread over three years.

Car Service Operators At Airports Are Critical To Tourism Sector – Alex Edom Training for members to also work as tour guides Just recently, my driver said he was taking me to a place called British Garden, and to be honest, I was pleasantly surprised that such a place exists and he knew of it.

Government agency like the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Study [NIHOTOR], we know, but we do not really have any cordial relationship with them, unlike the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation [NTDC].

Concerning other forms of training, the Road Safety Corps come around from time to time to hold what I will call refresher programmes for our members.

Cost of vehicles These vehicles are quite expensive. However, we have made several appeal to the government to grant duty waiver to enable us bring vehicles at a much cheaper rates. For instance, Peugeot 406 brand is gradually going out of the market.

The current brands, Peugeot 407 and 408 are extremely expensive. In fact, each goes for about N5 million plus; with insurance and interest, it is pretty too expensive for us.

In Dubai, vehicles used by operators are subsidized.

Even here in Nigeria, the Cross River State Government also subsidized the purchase of cars for our members that are operating in the state and we are hoping that other states will emulate that.

Defaulters To be honest with you, we barely record default among members in the monthly instalment payment, except in the event that the car in question and the owner is involved in a crash.

When it happened that way, you then now rely on your insurance company. In the beginning, we were

using Phoenix Insurance and we never had problem until they merged with another company and suddenly we started experiencing delays in claims/settlements.

Sometimes, it takes almost a year to get settlement.

Unfortunately, delay in payment by insurance company put lots of pressure on members that are involved in crash. Do not forget that whether it is an accident or other forms of damages, you still have to pay for the car.

Even when the money is paid by the insurance company, it is rather too little or late and as such members will just have to settle for a fairly used car popularly called ‘tokunbo’.

Membership Presently, we have about 2000 members across the country.

Other types of cars use by members Apart from the popular Peugeot brands, our members in Lagos and Kano preferred the Toyota Camry brands.

All the above purchases are all financed by banks because they now recognise us as a reliable body and as such, they preferred a group than the individual programme.

Again, the traffic and terrain determine the types of cars to be used. In Port Harcourt, some of our members now use Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV].

We are so properly positioned that the government even come to us to supply various types of vehicles for major events. Time past, the government goes directly to PAN for such.

Involvements in car hire business I got into the business by accident I must confess.

In 1989, I was doing business with Federal Capital Development Authority [FCDA] and I supplied goods to them and few months later, there was a coup [Mammam Vasta], who incidentally was in charge of Abuja

then. Regrettably, the new government refused to acknowledge those liabilities that I and several others lost everything to that unfortunate incident.

Because I lost everything and I have families to take care of, I decided to stay back and began using my car for care hire business with another friend who was also in the same situation with me.

Then, there were only three major hotels. Sunny Guest Inn, Agura and Hilton; and that was how we started shuttling between this hotels and the barely functional Abuja Airport and the city.

At that time, we charge N10.00 per passenger and we will carry four people. Meanwhile, Jos, Kaduna and Makurdi were more functional and we charge between N300.00 to N350.00 for those airports.

Shortly thereafter, we started organising ourselves and today we have a vibrant association.

Tourism in Nigeria Government must move in to develop the sector.

For instance, on your way to Keffi, there is a place called Zimbabwe-such places should be developed ; thank God we have an industry person as a minister, I must confess, this is a life time opportunity for the sector.

El-Rufai initiated the idea of gardens and today hundreds of jobs were created. Across the FCT, people have places to relax-however, these gardens must be protected.

As for us the airport car operators, we are ahead in terms of security arrangement. It would surprised you that we record all our cars that take passengers and from every flights on daily basis.We do this should any passenger forget anything in any of our cars.

In 2006/2007, one of our member got a national award for recovering almost N17 million left by a traveller.

Again, we are also planning to have a regional body and we are already discussing this across all ECOWAS countries.

January 2012 17

African Huts at Obudu Mountain Resort

Obudu: The Real Holiday Deal In Nigeria

I

t was a hot afternoon and the prospect of driving for several hours was not very attractive. But the thought of the natural beauty and the serenity that awaited me lured me on. Friends tried to dissuade me, saying it was better to leave early the following morning but I was bent on leaving for the Obudu Mountain Resort that Friday afternoon.

After picking up Lucky my friend], we set out and the drive from Abuja to Lafia, capital of Nasarawa State, was smooth. Since I had never driven on the Lafia-Makurdi road before, plus the fact that darkness had fallen, the journey became much slower especially as the road was quite bad and busy too. It was more of an obstacle course as I had to avoid so many pot-holes; some of them big enough to pull off the wheels of any vehicle. One needs to be extremely careful while navigating that road night or day.There were plenty of trailer trucks on the road that night and most of them drove with their full headlamps literally blinding on-coming drivers.

After several close shave with plenty of encouragement and support from my friend Lucky, we got into Makurdi around 8.00 p.m and decided to spend the night there. The hunt for a hotel to stay began.

It was obvious the Benue state capital was going to have a very busy weekend as we had some difficulty finding a place to stay; most of the places we went to were fully booked.

We eventually found rooms in a small, but nice hotel on the bank of the river.

Loremm Suites does not have many rooms but made up for that with nice service.

Rooms were quite comfortable and the food was good.

After a restful night, we checked out

Kunle Adewale

of the hotel at about 9.00a.m and went in search of local restaurants known as Buka for a taste of the local cuisine.We ate hot pounded yam just opposite the gates of the Benue State University and by 10.00 a.m we resumed our journey. The road however got progressively worse as we went further away from Makurdi.Traffic was a bit light and the weather clement, so we made good progress till we got to Adikpo and made a detour to cut offVandeikya so as to reduce the distance and travel time. From Adikpo, it was more or less like driving on a bush track but the thought of what was ahead encouraged me.

After about thirty-five minutes of driving on some of the worst possible driving surfaces on the planet, we arrived Obudu

town, which brought smiles to our faces.

Not only were we close to our destination, the road became very smooth and apart from the little detour through the village, on account of a collapsed bridge, it was an enjoyable drive to the foot of the hills.The sight of the resort gate is always a calming one and brings heightened expectations of the beautiful sights waiting to kiss your eyes as you get into the resort.

My first time at the resort was different as I arrived in a chartered cab; but this time, I was going to get the thrill of driving up to the resort. Eleven kilometers of twists, turns and hairpin bends will test the best driver, add to that the sight of sheer drops on both sides and you have all the makings of a scary experience. To drive up the hill

also requires a very sound engine or the vehicle may roll back, drivers must also remember to hoot intermittently in order to let oncoming drivers and motorcyclists know there is an approaching vehicle. If you don’t have a head for heights, don’t try to drive up the hill into the resort. For me, it was a difficult choice between driving and drinking in the sights of the lovely rolling hills on the way up. Oh! How those beautiful works of nature relax you as you make your way up to the resort! You also cannot help but notice the fat cows on the gentle slopes and that reminds you that the resort was actually born out of a cattle ranch.The dropping temperature also reminded me of the age-long saying: the higher you go, the cooler it becomes.

By 2.00 p.m we were at the reception and those on the staff were more like a welcoming party and they made me feel like I was returning home after a long trip.

The beauty and simplicity of the reception area is also eye-catching, makes you want to peer into the rooms to see how they are laid out.

After checking into the room, it was time for lunch and we headed for the Steak House where we were treated to a very sumptuous lunch, I had wheat meal and garden-fresh vegetable soup, while Lucky settled for Eba with okro served with goat meat. By the time lunch was over, the clouds had come down and it was just the kind of atmosphere needed for sound siesta. So off to bed I went.

Woke up feeling refreshed, the cool weather in Obudu helps you relax and sleep deep.

6.00 p.m and the lights came on, on came the heater and warmth crept into the room. The clouds had come down much earlier in the day and that made it unwise to stroll as the temperature was now quite low. In Obudu, the temperature can be as low as 12 degrees at times and it’s important to pack warm clothing if you’re planning to visit.

Dinner time and its back to the Steak House. Dinner was the Obudu special steak, well done with fries and washed down with a glass of red wine. After the meal, Lucky and I retired to the bar for a few drinks and then went off to the warmth of our beds.

Sunday morning arrived slowly and I was loathe to leave the warmth of my bed. I allowed myself revel in the fact that I was in a room built more than fifty years ago and had probably housed several dignitaries. It was quite comforting to lump myself with the celebrities who must have stayed at the resort in its more than four decade existence. I was dragged out of my reverie when Lucky came calling, it was time to explore the vast grounds of the resort and although it wasn’t my first time, I was quite excited. I jumped into the shower and dressed up quickly. We drove slowly through the resort , going from the mountain villas to the African huts and then via the main restaurant to the Presidential Lodge which is located at the highest point on the resort. As usual, we couldn’t resist the urge to take several photographs as we drove along. I can never get enough of watching the clouds float lazily to envelope the gentle rolling hills behind the main restaurant. It gives me a feeling of being close to the gods [if they really do exist].

We later went for a late breakfast of toast, bacon and sausages washed down with lots of coffee before we went for the meeting that originally brought about the journey.The meeting ended and it was time to head back to Abuja.

I had spent less than twenty four hours at the resort but I saw no alternative to the quiet, restful and therapeutic environment the Obudu Mountain Resort provides. I couldn’t stop myself from looking through the rearview mirror as I began the journey back to earth. I could only wonder how soon it will be before I’m able to return to the serenity of the resort.

18 January 2012

By Ike Uchechukwu

T

he role of festival in bringing people from all over the country and outside to interact and exchange ideas through the rendition of their diverse arts and culture towards national development and transformation and invariably cultivating understanding, peace and unity cannot be overemphasize.

The just concluded 25th National Festival of Arts and Culture, otherwise known as NAFEST 2011 with the theme, “Nigerian Traditional Music, a Vehicle for Economic Transformation and Unity,” which was held in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital, is indeed a signpost that Nigeria has widened its horizon and is heading to the next level.

It is no gainsaying that the 2011 NAFEST which lasted for 8 days achieved its cardinal objectives, which include creating a platform or avenue for celebrating the best of our collective heritage, display of creativity, exchange of ideas, skills and techniques for development.

Promoting our much cherished value of understanding, peace, love and national unity; it also opened new doors for job creation and economic empowerment.

NAFEST is Nigeria’s biggest and most popular cultural event organized by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

The display of diversified traditional arts and culture with dance, drama, traditional music, traditional furnished apartment, wrestling and more at this years event is an indication that what is left of our rich cultural heritage can still be packaged as a product for sale anywhere in the world because the standard of the exhibitions were at its peak.

The main bowl of the U.J. Esuene was agog on the official opening ceremony by his excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who was represented by the host Governor, Sen. Liyel Imoke.

The event which has had twenty four editions since its inception in 1970 was last hosted by Cross River State in 1994 with the theme “African Fashion and Textile”.

Most of the events in this year’s edition hosted at the Cultural Centre in Calabar had lots of attractions like the traditional furnished apartments, craft market, food fair, trade fair, traditional wrestling, traditional music, and more which undoubtedly achieved the reason why the theme was chosen as it was designed to identify, celebrate, showcase and bring together as a form of national unity the old but timeless Nigerian traditional music and to provide an avenue for job creation for Nigerians.

However, the 2011 NAFEST was

G

hana provides a perfect introduction to African travel. True, this small and amiable West African nation lacks the big name draws associated with the continent’s top safari destinations. But for anybody seeking a holistic experience that embraces traditional and contemporary cultures as well as beaches and safaris, Ghana’s microcosmic travel circuit is the perfect African primer.

The Ghanaian coast is archetypal West Africa.

But these picture-postcard beaches, which come complete with a backdrop of tangled jungle and coconut palms, are given a unique dimension by

Niger State Hut, during the 2011, NAFEST in Calabar, Cross River State.

NAFEST: Same Old Song, but with New Attitudes uniquely celebrated owing to the fact that it was brought to the home of tourism, Cross River State, which unarguably has the biggest and fastest growing brand “destination Cross River” with several attractions and sites located in all the 18 local government areas that make up the state.

The opening ceremony was not only a razzmatazz, but it was a clear signal of what Cross River has in stock from different dance groups to troupes coming out to represent their various local governments in traditional style.

Anyone that visited Cross River for NAFEST 2011 can never forget the paradise state in a hurry because its theme for the year, “Business or Leisure, Welcome Home” has indeed been justified; and indeed the memories of NAFEST 2011 will remain evergreen.

Everything from the degree of warmth to the smile and hospitality of the people of Cross River is quite exotic because the place makes you feel at home.

Among the dignitaries that graced the event were former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Minister for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High

Chief Edem Duke, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of National Council of Arts and Culture, [NCAC] Alhaji M.M Maidugu and all the commissioners for arts and culture from the participating states including the host states, special adviser to the state governor on tourism development, Mr. Gab Onah, amongst other dignitaries.

Speaking with journalist at the end of the event, the Minister forTourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, said the essence of the events is based on the fact that our young men and women are classic, dynamic and creative.

According to him, the only thing they need is a platform where they can create jobs, for themselves, for the rural communities and women in order to put food on their table without waiting for the government.

The minister also highlighted the responsibility of the government to include, providing the right legal framework, the right environment and to do the holding of hand.

He however stressed that this no doubt will create a solid platform for diversifying Nigeria’s economy to meet

with what is obtainable in countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia in delivering tourism products and services.

In his closing remarks, executive director and the chief executive officer of the National Council of Arts and Culture [NCAC], Alhaji M .Maidugu said that this year’s NAFEST had the state of the arts equipments to work with compared to previous editions and lauded the host state, Cross River for a job well done.

Maidugu however attributed the changes witnessed in this year’s edition of NAFEST to the new Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, describing him as a perfectionist to the core.

Interestingly, for the fourth time running, Nasarawa State won this year’s edition.They won the 2008,2009 and 2010 editions of the festival serially, setting a record that may not be broken in a long time. Thirty three [33] states, including the Federal Capital Territory [FC] and the host state, Cross River, participated in this year’s event.

Another unique thing about this year’s NAFEST was that 10,000 people participated excluding spectators.

Ghana Is 5 On Top 15 Destinations For 2012 a string of imposing colonial forts, whose dank dungeons pay chilling testament to the millions of Africans once shipped across the Atlantic to serve as slaves in the Americas. Ghana gets more varied and less predictable as you travel deeper inland. In Kumasi, the Adae Festival, held every sixth Sunday at Manhyia Palace, pays dazzling homage to King Osei Tutu II, ruler of the ancient Ashanti Kingdom. This bustling city also hosts Kejetia Market, with its labyrinth of 10,000 stalls, while nearby villages such as Adanwomase are famed for their communities of traditional

Kente cloth weavers.

Further north, on the arid verge of the Sahel, are numerous ancient mosques and homesteads built in the curvaceous Sahelian style. It is also in the north that you can visit Ghana’s top two wildlife viewing destinations: the vast Mole National Park, where guided walks frequently involve eyeball-popping encounters with elephants, and the community sanctuary of Boabeng-Fiema, with its sacred mona and colobus monkeys.

Where Ghana really stands out -- and the reason it has become so popular with backpackers

and volunteers -- is its suitability to unpackaged travel. You could spend months, even months, exploring this safe and affordable Anglophone country, traveling as whim dictates, and still find yourself confronted with something different and special on a daily basis.- Philip Briggs Philip Briggs is the co-author of Frommer’s Kenya & Tanzania and the author of more than a dozen guidebooks about Africa including the Bradt Guide to Ghana. He can be found online on Twitter and his own website.

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