Lagos Partners Tourism Operators on Summit

Justina Uzo

Lagos State Chapter of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) will be holding the second edition of its Lagos Tourism, Hospitality, Arts and Culture Economic Summit (LATHACE), on March 24, at the Eko Hotels and Suites.

This is coming after the success of the maiden edition of the conference last year, which shaped tourism direction in Lagos amid the pandemic.

This year’s event is in collaboration with Lagos State Government and the Hotel Owners and Managers Association, (HOMAL).

The President of Aircraft Owners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Alexander Nwuba, an aviation expert, is expected to be the keynote Speaker at the event. Also expected at the summit is Mrs. Aderonke Oyelami, a consultant with a wealth of experience in the process of land use charge.

Guests expected include the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, industry players and stakeholders.

Speaking during a press briefing recently in Lagos, the chairman planning committee of LATHACE, Mr. Gbenga Sunmonu, said this year’s theme titled “Rethinking Tourism for Economic Adaptation in a Post Pandemic Era” was carefully chosen as outcomes will be of benefit to both government and industry operators.

In her remarks, the coordinator FTAN Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. lme Udoh stressed that “LATHACE 22 is about tourism business and making the sector as vibrant as possible.”

Udoh adds: “God has blessed us with both natural and human resources to grow our economy and attract investors into the tourism sector. This is what LATHACE 22 seeks to achieve.”

Sunmonu, who is also the National President of the Nigerian Hotel and Catering Institute (NHCI), explained that the event would bring together the tourism industry players both in the public and private sectors, to put heads together in order to salvage the travel industry. He also said they were ready to proffer solutions to forge ahead in the post-COVID-19 era.

He said pressing hospitality industry issues would be tackled alongside the controversy generated by the revised Lagos State Environmental and Land Use Charge, among other challenges hindering the growth and development of the sector in the state. Sunmonu appreciated the Lagos State Government and the stakeholders for believing in the vision and also for their immense support.

The NHCI President Commended Akinbile-Yusuf for prioritising the implementation of the agreements reached at the forum last year.

Part of the agreement by all stakeholders last year, he said, was the increased participation between government and stakeholders and the need for government to widen and expand the net.

The Vice President, FTAN South-west, Mr. Kolade Tunde, said the forthcoming event would be a hybrid one with over 1000 industry stakeholders expected in attendance. He added that the event “is strictly by invitation and will be streamed live on Zoom and on social media platforms.”