Favourable legal framework, key to developing travel, tourism sector – Experts

As Nigeria seek means to grow its economy beyond dependence on oil generating revenues, experts in the travel and tourism sector have identified lack of favourable legal framework as the missing link to drive the needed change in the industry and stimulate a competitive business environment.

Bankole Bernard, the National President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agency (NANTA), disclosed this at the 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), with a theme, “Developing Strategic Policies for the Sustainability and Growth of the Travel and Tourism Industry” held in Lagos recently.

Bernard said that it is worthy to note that their bill has moved so fast to the point of consideration for a third reading at the National Assembly.

“In the last one year, the emphasis has been mainly on advocacy and enactment of our legislative bill (NANTA ACT) at the lower chamber of Assembly and we hope it is concluded within the shortest possible time.”

However Bankole commended the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on the fight to reduce fake agencies in the business, adding that with the introduction of New Generation IATA Settlement System (NewGenISS), by the global body of travel agency, which gives flexibility in payment, has improved their efficiency.

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According to him, “We have closely worked with the regulatory body NCAA to eliminate counterfeit travel agencies amongst our honourable members. This singular act has reduced the number of counterfeit travel agencies around but has not completely eliminated them.

“This new system is the replacement of the old BSP (Billing Settlement Plan) which operated in Nigeria for 10 years. We must say at this point that the New Gen ISS is a huge step in ensuring a simpler and faster way of doing a travel agency business in Nigeria,” he noted.

In a goodwill message, Folarin Coker, the director-general, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), said that tourism in Nigeria has only received lip service despite the huge potential it can offer in the diversification drive of the nation and lacks the legal framework to turn around the sector.

“The new law will allow everybody to operate their business as it will be easier to work, without the right law no right tax. It will create an enabling environment for ease of doing business”

On his part as the guest speaker, Olusegun Runsewe, the director-general, National Council for Arts and Culture and President World Craft Council, Africa Region, called for adequate marketing and promotion of the nation cultural products.

“The private sector needs to be assisted to grow through funding supports, loans and concessionary interest rate, this will greatly assist the critical stakeholders in the industry to expand and strengthen the scopes of their business”

Speaking earlier at the occasion, Jokotola Pelumi, the former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly tasked NANTA to always create value for the industry.

He said tourism industry has not fared well, stressing that it is not supposed to be that way.

The former Speaker pledged commitment to the success of NANTA in area of legislation, active support for its activities.

The AGM which attracted key players in the travel and tourism industry in Nigeria featured presentation of awards to deserving personalities who have contributed immensely to the growth of the industry including Runsewe, Coker and others.

IFEOMA OKEKE