The acting Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Mariel Rae-Omoh, said she would work with professional bodies, associations and stakeholders to move the industry forward.
Rae-Omoh revealed this when the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) paid her a courtesy visit in her office, in Abuja, on Thursday.
While describing the stakeholders and private sector as the main drivers of the industry, Rae-Omoh said, “I’ll build a strong alliance with the stakeholders and professional bodies in the industry to move it forward.”
She also promised to boost the socio-economic activities and development of minority ethnic groups through promotion of untapped tourism potentials in Nigeria.
Rae-Omoh added: “Tourism is an important instrument for poverty reduction, economic growth, biodiversity conservation, employment creation, community empowerment, grassroots development and revenue generation.
“In line with this, NTDC as the apex tourism policy implementation agency under my administration will effectively carry out its mandate with the support of the Public-Private Partnership and staff of the Corporation.”
Earlier in his speech, HATMAN President, Mr Badaki Aliyu, who congratulated the Acting DG on her appointment, described her as a professional who understands the language of the industry and is willing to drive the industry for development and productivity.
Aliyu said the main objective of HATMAN is to entrench professionalism in the hospitality and tourism industries, which according to him, the association will achieve through training
While disclosing the willingness of the association to collaborate with NTDC to ensure that the industry moves forward, Aliyu prayed that God should give her the wisdom to sail the ship of the industry and confirm her appointment as Director General, NTDC.
In company with Aliyu on the courtesy visit were Dennis Orjime – Member (HATMAN), Adm. Amos Opoola – FCT Chairman, Lantana Bako Nnaji – Member (HATMAN), Charles OlufemiFolayan – National Publicity Secretary (HATMAN), S. O. Onyeabo – Rep. Kogi State (HATMAN), Abioye Adedipe – Welfare officer (HATMAN), Samson Aturu – Ex-Official (HATMAN).
