GTJ LAUDS MBANEFO OVER ITB BERLIN
THE Guild of Tourism Journalists (GTJ) in Nigeria has lauded the director-general, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo over her brilliant performance at the just concluded ITB Berlin, Germany.
In a release signed by its President, Wale Ojo Lanre, the association noted that Mrs Mbanefo sensibly displayed her resourcefulness as a professional marketer at arresting the attention of investors and tourism buyers at the world tourism global meet.
According to the association “the DG deserves a pat on her back at advancing the cause of domestic tourism despite the fact that Nigeria did not have a stand nor exhibited at ITB, Berlin.
“We are proud that despite the fact that Nigeria had no stand nor exhibited at the fair, the DG was able to mobilise six powerful delegates from Nigeria to conquer the European Market seamlessly, cultivating regard and honour for Nigeria”.According to the release, “We are also impressed by the encounter which the DG had with Directors of Vera Mare Hotels which has led to the opening of multi-billion naira investment window opportunity for Nigeria as the Directors have promised to plant a five star hotel in Nigeria just because of the DG’s interaction and effective ways of selling Nigeria”.
The Guild noted that, “what Nigeria was not able to achieve when it planted multi-million naira stands was accomplished by you without a multi-million naira stand. This is commendable, appropriate and a landmark in the history of the corporation”.
The Guild of Tourism journalists described the strides of the DG since her appointment in May 2013 as impressive pointing out that none of her predecessors has ever got the mileage she had covered in six months.
“ It is on record that no DG of NTDC has ever visited the six geo political zones within a six - month record .You have. proved and distinguished yourself as an achiever who works the talk not one who talk the work’ ‘
The Association applauded the DG decision on foreign travels , exhibition and market by stating categorically that ‘ gone were the days when Nigeria would be attending fair for attending sake or mounting a stand for mounting sake without achieving any concrete goals.”
The Association concurred with the DG that the Corporation should be selective in which travel fairs to exhibit and participate adding that there is no law which forces or compels Nigeria to exhibit or be an observer in any fair
“We must state here that Nigeria is not under oath to attend any fair. Attending trade fairs and exhibiting in any market show is on the prerogative of the corporation which must consider many option adding that attendance and status of attendance is a prerogative of the NTDC
The association assured the DG of its support and collaboration as ‘ we assure you of our support and collaboration by engaging you in constructive discussion and deliberation on issues and matters arising. This is the only way we can move the sector forward’
