Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his commitment to tourism development in the state when he hosted representatives of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) in his office in Ado Ekiti.
NATOP delegates, led by its national president, Mrs Ime Udoh, paid a courtesy visit to the governor in preparation for their upcoming 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in July.
Gov Oyebanji assured the delegation that a strong collaboration between the Ekiti State Government and NATOP is guaranteed as the state is always ready to improve its economy.
The governor further disclosed that the Bureau of Tourism will be created separately from the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Tourism for effective operations and to achieve the desired goals of tourism development in the state.
He stressed that the bureau will focus solely on promoting and enhancing tourism, which will eventually improve the sector and the economy of the state.
NATOP’s president, Udoh, promised that the body will partner with Ekiti State while noting that hosting its 2023 AGM in July will be a great opportunity for the state to exhibit its wealth of culture and tourism.
Government functionaries present at the meeting include the Director General, Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), Ayo Aribidara, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Dele Ogunsemoyin and Director, Tourism, Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Adelusi.
