By Oladele Eniola
The former minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Wednesday, led members of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council of the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETP) on a courtesy visit to the Honorary Consulate of Mexico.
The meeting, which held at the consulate office in Ikeja, was to discuss collaboration on culture, entertainment, tourism and business amongst others.
Addressing the honorary consul, Mr Biodun Otunola, Mohammed said the ETF is willing to co – create programmes, host delegations and drive initiatives that would bring the vision of collaboration with Mexico to life.
“We see today, not merely as a courtesy visit but as the beginning of a strategic relationship that connects two great cultures and unlocks new frontiers in tourism and investments.
“This partnership can serve as a powerful bridge between Mexico and Nigeria that fosters understanding, drives economic growth and strengthens people to people connections.
“Lagos provides a unique strong platform for investment as its dynamic business environment, large market and cultural vibrancy make it an ideal destination for tourism driven ventures.
“We recognise that global perceptions of Nigeria are sometimes shaped by security concerns. However, initiatives such as the perception we propose today provide an opportunity to tell a different story of culture, resilience, creativity and opportunity.
“It is sad that some Nigerians demarket the country and this must stop because by doing that, you drive away foreign investments and bring bad image to the country.
“Many countries will not want to invest in a country that its own citizens demarket,” he said.
He noted that the collaboration represented a critical bridge between two vibrant economies and that work at ETF would compliment the mandate.
The former minister added that the collaboration would enhance joint tourism exchange programmes, including ETF’s Strategic Familiarization Trips (FAM) between Mexico and Lagos.
“Our application to become an affiliate member of UN Tourism has been strongly endorsed by the Federal Government as it underscores our commitment to global standards, international partnerships, and the strong backing of our government.
“It is within this context that we see Mexico as a strategic partner, at its globally admired tourism success story which built on culture, heritage and strategic promotion, offers valuable synergy with Lagos, Africa’s cultural and economic powerhouse.
“The ETF had been actively developing practical initiatives aimed at showcasing Lagos to the world by bringing foreign tour operators, investors, media and tourism stakeholders into Lagos to experience firsthand, the richness of our destination.
He noted the FAM trips would expose international stakeholders to Lagos tourism assets, culture and hospitality, thereby, creating direct business engagement opportunities.
He added that it would encourage investment in tourism infrastructure and service by generating authentic global narratives about Lagos as a vibrant destination.
Speaking earlier, Otunola, the consular, noted that there is a huge tourism gap that needed to be filled in Lagos and that the collaboration would help in bridging the gap.
He noted that collaboration between both countries could help in boosting tourism in Lagos and the economy of the state.
“The strategic collaboration is important in addressing existing gaps in the sector as such partnership will significantly lend an enchantment to Lagos tourism.
“There is a a huge tourism gap that needs to be filled and collaboration between both countries would play a vital role in bridging the divide.
“Stronger ties between Mexico and Lagos will have a positive impact on the state’s economy as ideologies would be shared between both parties.” he said.
He urged the state to leverage on the impact of Nigerian celebrities to help boost tourism.
He also urged the state government to take more ownership of ‘Detty December’ noting that it would help in taking the event to greater heights.
“We need to leverage on the many celebrities that the country has, to boost tourism in our state as the crowd and fans these people have can help in marketing the state to millions of people globally.”
He assured that Mexico is willing to collaborate with Lagos on all the initiatives.
NAN reports that other members of ETF at the event are: Erelu, Dr Abiola Dosumu, Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, past president, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr Tunde Lawrenson, Secretary, Board of Trustees and Governing Council,
Others are: Dr Iyadunmi Gbadebo, Director Sales and Marketing, Eko Hotel and Suites, and Mr Karl Hala, Group General Manager, Continental Hotel Nigeria. (NAN) (/www.nannews.ng)