Mr Nkereuwem Onung, National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has called on the Federal Government and tourism stakeholders to position Abuja as city for meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE).Onung made the call during the Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA) conference and expo in Abuja.
In a statement on Sunday, Onung painted a picture of the global value chain of the hospitality industry and how Nigeria could take advantage of a well-defined acronym called MICE.
”We encourage the industry to further develop our MICE potential as it presents us with opportunities to network and contribute to topical issues while showcasing our products and services.
”An event such as this provides the opportunity for stakeholders to come up with a blueprint that will help develop the industry.
” Let us make Abuja a MICE city, to create products for weekends,” he said.
Onung congratulated the President of HOFA, Mrs Funmi Kazeem, for putting up such a timely event with the theme: “The future of hospitality in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities”.
He said it was apt and timely at this point, as the industry had indeed suffered numerous setbacks.
According to him, the hospitality industry globally is one of the highest employers of labour and the industry required professionalism in service delivery.
” Therefore, we all have a role to play in ensuring that the hotel businesses in Nigeria meet up with global standards and flourishes in the future.
” I commend the executives of HOFA for the unflinching support of the President and pray that the labour will not be in vain,” he said.
