Amongst the other things I said at the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Annual General Meeting (AGM), held virtually on 29th of September this was the most important. I said many things but I plan to dwell on this.
People are touting virtual as the New Normal. Anyway it is not For me and I dont think anyone in tourism should support this New Normal that discourages meetings.
Maybe for now we do it but it is not the future. There is nothing normal about it and it will never be until we all Learn Astral Travel or something like that.
I told them that only Zoom and the telecom companies make Money. No hospitality cost, no travel cost etc, completly wipes out the MICE Tourism Value Chain.
I have held over 50 zoom conferences from My office in 90 days and have developed an emotional cabin fever.
Without movement there is no tourism. There is a difference to watching a documentary about wildlife and being at Masai Mara. Trust me I am a documentary addict.
I have missed hugging all those beautiful people. I miss eating Nyama Choma after hours, missing clinking glasses of champagne.
The therapeutic effect of being in a new place can never be replaced.
So I will go to war with any tourism official marketing virtual as a replacement for tourism and travel.
Humans are hard wired for socialization and congregating. Civilisation was built on congregations. Without the gathering of men happiness may be Far.
Even as I adapt my business to some virtual I stand on the side of tourism.
Nothing invented by man can replace the experience of travelling to a new destination. Exploration is in the DNA of man. I happen to have inherited a triple Helix of that travel Virus.
Other things I said:
10 Globally Known Tourism Brands from Nigeria
1, Synagogue Church, Lagos State
2, Shiloh by Winners Chapel, Ogun State
3, Experience Music Event, Lagos State by House on the Rock.
4, Holy Ghost Conference by Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ogun State
5, Carnival Calabar, Cross River State
6, Osun Oshogbo, Osun State
7, Kano Durbar,Kano State
8, Arik Air.
9, Akwaaba African Travel Market.
10, Wakanow.
Top Tourist Attractions in Nigeria:
1, Obudu Mountain Resort, Cross River State
2, Olumirin Waterfall at Erin Ijesha,Osun State
3, Badagry town, Lagos State
4, Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State
5, Idanre Hills, Ondo State
6, Oguta Lake, Imo State
7, Awhum Falls, Enugu State
8, Azumini Blue River, Abia State
9, Idere Hills, Oyo State
10, Katampe Hills, FCT
11, Ikogosi Springs. Ekiti State
12, Olumo Rocks,Ogun State
13, Assop Falls, Plateau State
14, Farin Ruwa Falls, NassarawaState
15, Mount Patti, Kogi State
Source: atqnews.com
