NTDA DG Ola Awakan Promotes Creative Tourism Platforms

Article Summary:
Dr. Ola Awakan, the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), has highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism growth in Nigeria. This growth hinges on the deliberate creation and strengthening of platforms that showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural and creative assets. Dr. Awakan made this assertion during his participation as a special guest at the 19th edition of Culturati, Nigeria’s flagship culture and arts festival, held at the Oriental Waterfront, Lekki, Lagos. The event drew top government officials, traditional rulers, creatives, and tourism stakeholders, highlighting the increasing intersection between culture and destination development.

Key Points:

1. Dr. Awakan emphasized the necessity of platforms that highlight Nigeria’s cultural and creative assets for sustainable tourism growth.
2. The 19th edition of Culturati served as a platform to underscore the growing intersection between culture and destination development.
3. The event attracted a diverse audience, including government officials, traditional rulers, creatives, and tourism stakeholders, indicating a strong interest in cultural tourism.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Invest in Cultural Tourism Platforms: Governments and tourism authorities should invest in developing and promoting platforms that showcase Nigeria’s cultural and creative assets. This investment is crucial for attracting tourists and ensuring sustainable tourism growth.
• Leverage Cultural Events for Tourism Promotion: Hosting and participating in major cultural events, such as Culturati, can significantly enhance a country’s appeal to tourists. These events provide a unique opportunity to highlight the nation’s rich cultural heritage and attract both domestic and international visitors.
• Strengthen Collaboration Between Cultural and Tourism Sectors: There is a growing intersection between culture and destination development. Strengthening collaboration between cultural and tourism sectors can lead to innovative tourism experiences that leverage cultural assets, thereby driving sustainable tourism growth.

Contextual Insights:
The article reflects the current emphasis on sustainable tourism growth, a trend that is gaining traction globally. Nigeria’s focus on leveraging its cultural and creative assets aligns with this trend, as destinations increasingly recognize the value of cultural tourism in attracting visitors and fostering economic growth. The participation of top government officials, traditional rulers, creatives, and tourism stakeholders at Culturati underscores the strategic importance of cultural tourism in Nigeria’s tourism sector. This context highlights the potential for cultural tourism to become a significant driver of sustainable tourism growth in Nigeria, offering a forward-looking perspective for the industry.

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