The Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development has forged a strategic partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ekiti State to promote and market the state’s tourism potential to the world.
The Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre, paid an advocacy visit to the office of Chief Joseph Falopo (Olofooro), the Chairman of the NURTW on September 20, 2024. He was accompanied by his team, including Mr. Micheal Peculiar Ekiran, the Special Assistant on Tourism Development, Dolapo Ogunleye Adewumi Tourism Officer and Mariam Ajibola.
The advocacy visit took place at the NURTW office on Ijan Road, Ado Ekiti where Chief Joseph Falope (Olofooro) and Deputy Secretary Mr. Kayode Akinniyi warmly received Amb. Ojo-Lanre and his team
During the visit, Amb. Ojo-Lanre emphasized the importance of collaboration and synergy between the Bureau and the NURTW, as the drivers are key players and stakeholders in tourism promotion and visitor experience.
” You , I mean NURTW members are the first impression manager of Ekiti .
Your conducts ,deeds, acts and words go a long way at influencing travellers and tourists to the state ‘
He shared his experiences during his first visit to Ghana, where the driver who drove him gave a great impression of the place, making him feel relaxed and enjoy his stay.
Amb. Ojo-Lanre noted that the separation of the Bureau of Tourism Development from is to showcase, promote, and market Ekiti State’s tourism and tourism sites to the world, attracting more visitors to the state and boosting its economy.
He further explained that Ekiti State is blessed with a wealth of tourist attractions that can generate revenue for the state.
” Tourism is about travel. The Bureau of Tourism Development Ekiti State is the conductor for the Tourism vehicle . Members of NURTW are strategic determinants of the traffic to Ekiti State for they convey the tourists and have first hand contact with them.
Hence the Bureau and Ekiti NURTW have to form a Siamese relationship to market Ekiti profitably ‘
Chief Falope, the NURTW Chairman, commended the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for the transformation and changes in the state, as well as the creation of the Tourism Bureau.
He also praised the Director General for acknowledging the Union’s relevance in tourism development and promised to do beyond expectation to promote tourism and tourist visits to the state.
” This is the first time that NURTW would be recognized as a strategic partner at selling Ekiti as a Tourism destination . We give kudos to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for this and we shall not disappoint him ‘
In recognition of their contributions to tourism development, Amb. Ojo-Lanre informed that Chief Falopo would be designated as the Chief Tourism Ambassador during the upcoming World Tourism Day celebrations taking place on September 27 at Ilupeju Ekiti.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to the promotion and marketing of Ekiti State to tourists across the nation. The parties also agreed to work hand-in-hand, with the NURTW serving as ambassadors of tourism in Ekiti State by presenting the state in a positive way to passengers travellers and tourists.
