In an unprecedented move, Plateau State is moving fast to reclaims its foremost position in Tourism.
According to the Commissioner of Tourism For Plateau, “There is a need for professional Tour Operators to visit Plateau to see for themselves the rich asset we possess and that is why we seek to partner with NATOP. We as a state have been looking for partners to promote and position ourselves and we are delighted that the Professionals are coming. It is our hope that they will enjoy themselves and go home as Ambassadors of Plateau Tourism”.
The leading Tourism Association in Nigeria The Nigerian Association of Tour Operators NATOP is holding its first AGM in the Northern Part of Nigeria for the first time at Jos. The last AGM was held in Lagos and in Calabar the year before. So Plateau has the right as the first event outside the South of Nigeria.
The President of the Association Mr.Nkereuwem Onung said that the Association chose Jos to reinforce the fact that Plateau is safe for Tourism and NATOP needs to discover and expose new locations to Tour Professionals. “Nigeria is blessed and Plateau is so Rich in Tourism that we should start repositioning Plateau as a way of growing Tourism in Nigeria”. The Commisioner Mrs. Tamukat Weli said in her message to NATOP President after the postponement of the AGM to the 9th of April. Earlier on The President of NATOP Mr. Onung was hosted to a reception on a pre event Visit to Jos.
At the reception the Commissioner of Tourism Mrs. Tamukat Weli told the NATOP President that Plateau State is ready to host the biggest Tourism experts in Nigeria and will showcase the best of the Culture and Hospitality if Plateau. The Special Adviser to Governor on Tourism Mr. John Likita Best praised NATOP as a forward looking association that has come In at the right time to support the efforts of the Government and People of the state. The 2018 AGM is an elective AGM and comes after a very successful year where it successfully hosted a World Tourism Day boat cruise on the Lagos Lagoon and a tour of Epe in Lagos.
As part of the 2018 AGM there will be a One tour of plateau on the 8th of April before the AGM on the 9th at Hill Station Hotel.
It is a ground-breaking event, which among others will celebrate the speedy growth and success of tourism in nation building. And the Plateau state Tourism’s achievement to position itself as a major tourism destination in Nigeria including the NATOP’s contribution to these successes.
The theme for this year’s Tourism Conference is: Security Challenges and Promotion of Tourism in Nigeria. A host of seasoned speakers, various stakeholders, captain and practitioners in the industry have been invited to the event. The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) is the national body for all tour operators and those engaged in allied services. It is also devoted to developmental issues in the areas of policies and advocates, promotion and marketing as well as development of tourist destinations and attractions while it also seeks for creating enabling environment and operating conditions for the business of its members to thrive and engage in activities/events that are geared at adding value to the Nigerian society.
