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Nigeria's Tourism Profile Rises, Chairs UN/WTO Meeting
(THISDAY, Lagos) |
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By Justina Okpanku, 06.11.2005
Nigeria has been chosen as Africa's representative, as well as Chair of the United Nations/World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) STEP Foundation aimed at eradicating poverty, because of the nation's improved rating in global tourism.
Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ambassador Franklin Ogbuewu who was in Seoul, Republic of Korea (headquarters of the Foundation) for their Working Group meeting, recently, said "Nigeria was appointed to chair the Working Group of STEP Foundation while representing the African continent. The international community‘s confidence and belief in Nigeria has returned. You don’t talk about global tourism without mentioning Nigeria. The WTO in Spain knows we are vibrant."
The STEP (Sustainable tourism Eradicating Poverty) Foundation shall provide support to countries and organisations for the conduct of research and development projects and support research and tourism projects that are in line with UN Millennium Development Goals and meet UN standards.
Ogbuewu explained that WTO has recognised "Nigeria's interest in contributing to the development of tourism in Nigeria and in other parts of the world. We have just started a new way of doing things. We have done well internationally. When I came Nigeria was denied voting rights by WTO because we were not paying our dues. I am happy to say we have paid our dues and we can afford to be involved in WTO affairs with pride. This has helped to improve our image outside the country. We have occupied positions and still doing so, in executive positions."
On the outcome of the STEP Foundation meeting in Seoul, the minister said it was fruitful.
"I am happy that it was fruitful. The document has been formalised ready for presentation to the UN Executive Council in Bulgaria this June."
On progress made, he said "I talked to the ASEAN plus three nations(Korea, Japan and China) who were meeting in Korea during the time we were there to convey the message of STEP Foundation to their various governments...there is need for them to support the UNWTO project. It is important for both the donor and beneficiary countries. I know Africa will be the main beneficiary of the UNWTO Foundation funds...there are lots of poverty in the world today, particularly in Africa that the need to bridge that the gap between the rich and poor countries becomes necessary.
According to him, "There is a mandate for the Working Group of the STEP Foundation to package a constitution that will be approved by the UN General Assembly.
The Working Group of UNWTO is chaired by Nigeria and it will collate donations from organisations individuals and groups and use it to encourage tourism development especially in African countries. Some countries have responded to the UNWTO's call for international community to support the project on poverty alleviation. Republic of Korea offered a patrimony of US$5 million and provided a headquarters for the NGO in Seoul. The first US$2 million has been paid and lodged in the STEP account in Korea. That gave Netherlands Development Agency hope to follow the example set by Korea. More nations are donating to the Foundation. The beauty of it is that the funds are managed by an Agency that specialises in managing such funds."
The minister restated that Nigeria blessed with huge cultural and tourism potential has crafted a tourism policy that will ensure it benefit from the tourism industry which is rated as the fastest growing industry in the world.
"What we are doing is to identify, develop and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural and tourism potential. We will eventually have tourism as major source of foreign exchange. Nigeria offers unspoiled tropical forests. Everywhere you go there is a natural attraction, spectacular waterfalls, eco-tourism, and variety of wildlife. You will see rarest animals. We now have a beautiful tourism policy."
Continuing, he said that people have now realised President Obasanjo has good intention when he created the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1999.
"President Obasanjo took that bold step because he knew the importance of the sector to any country," he said.
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