Nigeria’s WTD 2022: Nigeria’s apex tourism body FTAN celebrates big, showcase Lagos water tourism and icon of tourism Awards
Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), under the distinguished leadership of its President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, has staged a massive private sector driven celebrations which created impressive and unforgettable experiences for Participants as this year’s celebrations was held in Lagos State.
The World Tourism Day 2022 celebration was organized by FTAN in Partnership with Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON).
According to FTAN’s President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung in his speech, ‘This year’s World Tourism Day has the theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism’. For us, it is an opportunity for us to celebrate our resilience and survival in the industry as the business gradually returns’.
‘Today, we’re celebrating the World Tourism Day as global tourism slowly recovers from Covid-19 and is emphasized by the theme ‘Rethinking Tourism’. I believe that time is now to begin this transformation’, Mr. Nkereuwem said.
‘In our efforts in domesticating this year’s theme, we are turning our focus on Lagos water tourism. The stretch of the Lagos abundant coastline, for tourism purposes,’ Mr. Nkereuwem said further.
He appreciated the enormous private sector driving tourism development in Nigeria.
Part of this year’s focus on Lagos coastal waterline, a tour to Takwa Bay Island was scheduled for participants who converged at Tarzan Jetty where about 50 boots under the auspices of ATBOWATON was to ferried not less than three hundred people to Takwa Bay.
Those ferried by the boats were Tour operators, the media and other participants from partners organizations from Tarzan jetty in Victoria Island through the Five Cowrie Creek to Takwa Bay beach Lagos.
One of the most fascinating aspect of the celebration was the bumpy humpy adrenalin pumping boat displays at the Five Cowrie Creek! The very controlled speeding and stops under the guided ‘commander’ of groups of boats was so, so exciting!
Some of the audience were riding on water for the first time in their lives and so you can imagine the gasping, grabbing of people’s clothes and the pleasant phobia! Interestingly, after we arrived at Takwa Bay and going back, the once fearful ladies became very calm and now enjoying the fun.
One aspect that was worth impressively noting was the presence of Lagos Waterways security and safety personnel and other security details including the Nigerian Navy personnel.
On arrival at Takwa Bay, the little island community came out to welcome us in their numbers with drums, singing, dances and their masquerades!
It was a huge fanfare of celebration and the excitement was high even as it turned out a huge reunion for some friends and colleagues in the industry reconnecting after years of a sense due to businesses, travels and many other incontigency!
Takwa Bay chapter of the World Tourism Day came to an end after about three hours as we had to return into the boats back to Tarzan Jetty in Victoria Island. So from the jetty a number of us moved back to Eko Hotel and Suites for the Icon of Tourism Award and Dinner.
