All is now set for a 2-day workshop for professionals and entrepreneurs in tourism slated for November 28 – 29, 2024 in Enugu the Enugu State capital.
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Briefing newsmen in Enugu on Saturday, Mrs Chioma Obi, Enugu State Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) and Convener of the event, said the workshop was being organised by Jands Travel Business School in collaboration with Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) and NANTA.
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Obi added that the workshop with a theme: “Exploring A Synergy To Boost Business & Entrepreneurship” will hold at ECCIMA Hall, ECCIMA Secretariat, Enugu beginning from 9am, daily.
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According to her, the event has been endorsed by Hon. Barr. Dame Ugochi Madueke, Enugu State Commissioner for Culture & Tourism and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, (NTDA)
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She urged members of the public to join industry experts, entrepreneurs and key players in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector for the insightful 2-day event, filled with networking, learning, cultural displays and opportunities to boost domestic tourism in Eastern Nigeria.
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“Explore ways to grow your business through tourism. Connect with professionals and entrepreneurs. Discover ways to make profit from selling Nigerian tour packages and explore the future of tourism in Nigeria”, she said.
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According to her, attendance is free, but registration is compulsory.
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“Register now to secure your spot, using the link: https://bit.ly/JTBStourismworkshop“, she concluded.
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Also speaking, President of ECCIMA, Sir Odeiga Jideonwu, said they were driven by the vision of the Enugu State Government to grow the state GDP from #4.4 billon to #30 billion and this is why “we collaborate with any organization that has programmes that will promote and support the growth of businesses in Enugu State.
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“We have seen that hosting thousands of visitors for such an event in the Eastern Zone and Enugu will bring significant commercial benefits to our dear State, Enugu. The hospitality industry in Enugu remains a major beneficiary.
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“The influx of attendees drives up demand for local accommodations, restaurants, and transportation services, generating substantial revenue for hotels, eateries, and taxi operators.
“Retail businesses, from shopping centres to local markets, experience increased sales as visitors purchase goods and souvenirs.
“Moreover, the exposure to new customers fosters long-term business relationships and investments, as many visitors return for leisure or business.
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“Such events also stimulate the hospitality and tourism sectors, encouraging future events and boosting Enugu’s reputation as a key destination for investment. This economic activity translates to higher revenues for the government as well as increased employment opportunities in the state.
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“Lastly, the workshop, I feel, will unveil the hidden opportunities in the tourism subsector of Enugu. We hope that the workshop will lead to the development of new tourist sites in Enugu State. This will also boost the state GDP if finally achieved, ” Jideonwu said.
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In corroboration with the speakers from ECCIMA and JANDS, the NANTA National President, Mr Olayinka Folami, said the workshop was apt and timely.
Reiterating that the theme of the workshop is, “Exploring A Synergy To Boost Business & Entrepreneurship, the President said it would help to explore ways to grow business through tourism in the country.
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“The expectations from the workshop include among others, robust deliberations that will stimulate the hospitality and tourism sectors in the country”, he added.
Expected speakers at the event include: Chief Ben Etiaba (Principal Partner, Ben Etiaba & Co. Chartered Accountants), Barrister Mrs Patricia Igwebuike (Hon. Commissioner, Transportation, Anambra State), Olayinka Folami (National President, NANTA) Sir Odeiga Jideonwu ( President, ECCIMA), Chioma Obi (Director,Jands Travel Business School, Enugu), Mr Ayodeji Awomoyi (Principal Executive, Flyzone Tourism).
