BOT chair tasks NATOP on responsible tourism

Considering the immense potential of the tourism industry, which is largely untapped, Nkereuwem Onung, chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), has called on tour operators in Nigeria to imbibe the culture of responsible tourism while building Nigeria as a tourist destination.

Onung, the immediate past president of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Tourism and chairman, Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (TSSCN), made the charge over the week while speaking at the 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NATOP in Lagos.

The former president of NATOP emphasised the crucial role of tour operators, noting that they are the backbone of the tourism value chain in any thriving destination.

Speaking on the theme of the AGM, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable”, the TSSCN chairman said: “Tour operators are the backbone of the tourism value chain. We are the bridge between the traveller and the destination. We curate experiences, manage logistics, ensure safety, and create memories. More importantly, we are ambassadors of our nation,” Onung said.

He also pointed to service excellence and innovations, while urging them to curate experiences that leave pleasant lasting memories in the minds of tourists.

“As we gather here today, I urge every member to reflect on the critical role we play. The quality of our services, the professionalism of our operations, and our commitment to sustainability will determine whether Nigeria becomes a preferred tourist destination or remains a footnote in global tourism conversations.

“We must move beyond transactional relationships and embrace a long-term vision that prioritises destination stewardship, community engagement, and environmental responsibility.”

As well, the BOT chairman drew the attention of tourism stakeholders to the current efforts of the Akwa Ibom State government at developing tourism in the state, especially the Arise Palm Resort, which he described as one of Nigeria’s biggest tourism projects.

The landmark project scheduled for commissioning in September, according to him, will redefine leisure, hospitality and conference tourism in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

“In the coming months, precisely in September as announced by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the world-class Arise Palm Resort will be commissioned. This 70-hectare luxury tourism and hospitality hub, located in Uyo, is a remarkable transformation of a reclaimed gully erosion site into a masterpiece of modern tourism infrastructure. The resort features an artificial lake with floating bars, a 9-hole golf course, a 1,500-capacity banquet hall, luxury villas, and world-class sports complexes.

“For us as tour operators, this presents another significant opportunity – a new destination to package for those yearning for a quality leisure experience,” he concluded.