By Justina Okpanku, just back from Akure, Ondo State
It is no longer news that Ondo State, South-west Nigeria
boasts huge tourist attractions. Ondo State is full of impressive eco-tourism scenery, including Idanre Hills, and La Campagne Tropicana Forest Hills & Caves.
Interestingly the state government is determined to give them the push it deserves,
wooing the organised tour operators under the aegis of NATOP (Nigeria Tour Operators) thus making efforts towards enhancing its products visibility and marketing.
Businesses that depend on tourism are generally upbeat in Ondo State capital, Akure.
Hotels like Bon Hotel Lagos have high room- occupancy level. It’s pretty slow for hotels in Ondo Town, for obvious reasons.
Apart from the popular Idanre Hills, most of the tourist attractions in Ondo don’t attract tourists that much.
Idanre Hills which has attracted tourists to the mountain remains big business for entrepreneurs like souvenir sellers at the site. They sell very well. But you cannot say this about the other less known attractions despite their uniqueness.
The government feels something should be done to make these tourism offerings enjoy more visibility.
There’s need to involve the private operators for effective public -private partnership.
The state government
had graciously pulled all the strings to ensure Bolaji Mustapha’s
-led NATOP visit Ondo and have the opportunity to explore first-hand the vast unique tourist products.
NATOP was well received.
The visit will result in having the tour operators sell Ondo.
The tour operators, drawn from the major cities in the country and neighbouring Republic of Benin alongside Nigeria tourism chieftains in Abuja as well as the travel press, visited all the major towns in Ondo where the attractions are situated.
The four- day FAM (familiarisation) trip
was also the occasion when NATOP held it’s 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ondo State capital, Akure, about four hours drive from Lagos, easily tour operators’ hub in the country. The AGM with the theme titled ” Unlocking Nigeria Eco-tourism Untapped Treasure: A Catalyst for Empowering Tourism Entreprenuers’ attracted many tourism stakeholders from far and wide.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan
Aiyedatiwa had instructed Ondo State government officials including the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Olayide Adelami to represent him at 2025 NATOP AGM on July 3. He was out of town when the tour operators arrived. He had to cut short his visit to be with the august visitors during their “Thank-You Visit” after their 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Akure before departure from Ondo on Sunday, a gesture which he was appreciated.
The state
government is now working closely with tour operators with the high level of specialisation in the field of tourism, which has allowed it to sell tourism products.
The well over 80 tour operators from Nigeria and abroad who stormed
Ondo State were excited after having incredible experiences.
Obviously, the purpose of the tour operators’ visit is to boost tourism to Ondo which prides itself with the appellation ‘Sunshine State’ so as to improve it’s revenue from the tourism sector.
During the visit,
Ondo State government restated its commitment to develop, promote and market it’s unique tourism attractions in order to boost trade and tourism.
Aiyedatiwa urged more investors to visit Ondo and invest in the popular destination, saying that the state is investor-friendly.
The state government might have realised that investing in tourism is highly beneficial.
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) stated recently that
Travel and Tourism supports one in every 10 jobs and nearly 10 per cent of global GDP and is set to support one in three new jobs over the next decade. When managed well, it also fosters cultural exchange, global understanding, and environmental protection.
“This means an expected improvement in tourist infrastructure, need for legal framework as well as the need to organise ourselves,” says an Abuja-based tourism operator who asked for anonymity.
While security concerns is often seen as a tourism problem, many of the pressure comes from low awareness of the tourist products.
Some tourism industry insiders said the tourist receipts and arrivals will improve and stronger next year, if the state government is consistent.
Obviously part of the state government strategy is empowering and educating the tour operators about the revamped products and service and making life easier.
Another concern raised was whether government will provide tourists security.
What they said:
Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa said
“I believe Ondo State will do well as a tourist destination.”
Aiyediwa described Ondo state as peaceful and conducive with vast tourism assets. He said his government is currently building infrastructures in the areas of road network to make accessibility to tourism sites easy and that it is also paying greater attention to the sector.
Currently, three airlines fly to Akure-Overland, Air Peace, and Green Africa. Ondo
has one branded hotel, BON Hotel, but was in advance discussion with another international brand to come to the state.
On investor-friendly environment, the Governor informed that Ondo is conducive for investment.
“The state has been adjudged to be one of the most peaceful and safest states in Nigeria. It is true that there is no country in the whole world that is 100 per cent free of crime, but the degree of response and security architecture is what you look at. Here you have experienced it and seen who we are.
“There are so many infrastructures that I need to put in place, but some of them are going to be done by private investors, that is why as government we do the road, create access. Let business- minded people build resorts, build hotels, and we will provide the enabling environment. That is what we are trying to do,” he said.
A Cotonou, Benin Republic-based tour operator, Dr. Olanma Ojukwu, and one of the the tour operators from Republic of Benin, took to the social media to expressed her satisfaction that she had the privilege of attending the just-concluded 9th NATOP AGM in Ondo where they explored many discoveries including Nibanola Motherland Resort. “What an eye-opener it was!” she enthused. She added that “Nestled in the heart of Ondo, Nibanola is a true gem for wellness seekers. From natural healing to peaceful scenery, it’s health at its best.” She assured that GOTA Voyages will definitely package Ondo State tour and return soon.
Email us: just_tours@yahoo.com
