The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has recorded a milestone with its push for the revival of COPITOUR, a west Africa body, for private sector operators in tourism, which was in comatose for some years.
FTAN successully hosted a one-day gathering of the body in Abuja, with a commitment to work closely with the body to reposition it as the leading voice for private sector tourism in West Africa, with commitment from regional governments as strategic partners alongside other development partners.
This is as the ECOWAS Commission, European Union (EU) and GIZ also called on COPITOUR to build stronger structures, institutions, and partners geared developing the economy of the region so as to justify the investments by its development partners. The bodies also pledged renewed commitment in their collaboration with COPITOUR and ECOWAS Commission.
These pledges were given at the opening session of the Consultative Meeting on the ECOWAS Framework for the Recognition and Accreditation of Regional Business Associations by convened by the Directorate of Private Sector and Industry of the ECOWAS Commission.
The one-day gathering was supported through the Trade in Services Programme, West Africa; funded by the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS (EUD); co-financed by sthe German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS.
Speaking at the event, the President of FTAN, Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, said FTAN is committed to ensuring that COPITOUR’s vision is realised, working with its to make the organisation a leading voice for the industry in the region. ‘‘I commend the leadership of COPITOUR for its vision and determination to reposition the organisation as the leading voice of the organised private tourism sector in West Africa. ‘‘FTAN stands ready to work closely with COPITOUR, the ECOWAS Commission, and all member federations to advance our common goals.
Describing the meeting as an historic and landmark event, he said; ‘‘FTAN is deeply honoured to host this landmark meeting. We believe that bringing the tourism private sector together under one regional platform will create new opportunities for collaboration, investment, knowledge sharing, and policy alignment.
‘‘Tourism remains one of the strongest instruments for economic diversification, job creation, cultural exchange, and regional integration, and together we can unlock its enormous potential.’’
He also commended the ECOWAS Commission; ‘‘for providing this platform to strengthen collaboration between regional business associations and the Commission. This meeting demonstrates ECOWAS’ commitment to building stronger institutions that will drive regional integration through private sector participation.’’
Badaki charged the participants; ‘‘to focus on practical outcomes that will strengthen our institutions, enhance regional partnerships, and position tourism as a key driver of sustainable development within the ECOWAS community.’’
While the President of COPITOUR, Mr. Racine Sy in his welcome remarks commended ECOWAS Commission for its commitment to regional partnerships and development. ‘‘This gathering is a significant milestone for COPITOUR and reflects ECOWAS’ commitment to strengthening regional collaboration and the role of the organized private sector in tourism.
‘‘I also extend our heartfelt appreciation to GIZ for its invaluable support in making this meeting a reality. Your partnership continues to contribute meaningfully to regional integration and sustainable tourism development.’’
Sy expressed appreciation to members of COPITOUR for their; ‘‘dedication in keeping the COPITOUR vision alive in your respective countries. Your commitment has brought us to this defining moment.
‘‘I believe this meeting marks a new dawn for COPITOUR. It provides the opportunity to reposition our organization to effectively play its role as the leading regional tourism private sector body and a pathfinder for tourism development, policy advocacy, and regional cooperation within ECOWAS.’’
Stressing further; ‘‘We look forward to a stronger partnership as we work together to unlock the immense tourism potential of West Africa.’’
In their respectively presentations, the Commissioner for Business and Agriculture, ECOWAS Commission, represented by Khillilou Sylla; Desmond E. Umokoro, Programme Manager, Trade and Regional Integration, Delegation of European Union to Nigeria; and Kelechi Okoro, Programme Component Manager, Trade in Services Programme, West Africa, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS; all called on COPITOUR to be focused on its goals, create institutions and structures that would bring about effective and sustainable development.
They stressed the importance of tourism and the role it played in the economic development of the region, noting; ‘‘A vibrant regional tourism sector not only enhances the competitiveness of West Africa but also strengthens the bonds between our peoples and contributes to a more integrated regional economy.
‘‘As the regional voice of the tourism and hospitality private sector, COPITOUR has a critical role to play in mobilising its membership, strengthening regional policy coordination, promoting dialogue between the public and private sectors, advocating for reforms that enhance the competitiveness of the tourism ecosystem, and supporting the practical implementation of ECOTOUR across Member States.’’
