The Launch of virtual tourism in Nigeria!
This is going to be an Olumo Rock series, and I’d begin by letting you in on everything you need to know about TIDA 2018. TIDA – Tourism Innovation & Development Advantage, is brought together by Skyview Communications, in partnership with Travel Next Door, Avantgarde Tours, Fidol trips, Kalo Africa, & ParkInn by Radisson Abeokuta.
What is TIDA About?
The main purpose of the TIDA Conference is the launch of the Virtual Tourism project and Tourism Entrepreneurial Development Academy (TEDA).
The goal is to retain Lagos as a business hotspot, but also gradually position the state as a tourist magnet amongst other states in Nigeria, thereby transferring attention to the Tourism Industry in Nigeria. In order to showcase the best of our country to the world through virtual tourism, Skyview Communications is partnering with other organizations for the Tourism Innovation and Development Advantage (TIDA) Conference, which is slated to hold on February 15, 2018 at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, CLICK HERE. to register.
The TIDA press, which is inclusive of – TheFisayo.com, Lailanews.com,Travelnextdoor.com, Comemakewego.com, Funmi Ajala Travels, NAN, WelkomeAfrica.com, Travelogue.com, The Cable Newspaper,Brandinfonigeria.com, ekpoesito.com, Kalo Africa, Guardian News, TVC, 54Africa.com, Wassupnow Communications, Daily Trust, Star Connect Media, The News Accelerator, Daily Independent News, Wakaaboutonline, and Business Day – were all taken on a familiarization tour in Abeokuta on the 7th of February 2018, and our first stop was at the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, which was where we got an endorsement from the Ogun State Commissioner of Culture & Tourism- RT. Hon. Muyiwa Oladapo for the TIDA conference.
A day in Abeokuta:
After our brief meeting with the Commissioner, we went to Olumo rock tourist centre, which personally for me was the highlight of my day! Let the pictures speak for themselves. 
Upon visiting the Tie & Dye market in Abeokuta, the pioneering family of the tie & dye business cried for help from the government asking for the government to help improve on their trade, renovate their surroundings and help the community grow being that their trade serves as a tourist attraction.
On this same day, we had a Press Conference at ParkInn by Radisson Abeokuta with the Ogun State Commissioner of Culture & Tourism- RT. Hon. Muyiwa Oladapo, where we discussed on the viability of Tourism in Nigeria and its great potential in Ogun State, amongst which we bordered around the contributing factors limiting tourism in Nigeria, which includes;
– Lack of knowledge of tourist attractions by the citizens of Nigeria
– Poor investment by the Indigenes
The commissioner also said – “it is so sad to know that Nigeria still does not issue a tourist visa. Implementing this policy would be a good step in the right direction.
“Yet, the government cannot do it alone. Entrepreneurs and the media industry have great roles to play too.
He also mentioned that the 2nd Edition of The African drum festival will be taking place in the 3rd week of April in Abeokuta, and he welcomes everyone to be a part of this.
So far, the TIDA conference has also been endorsed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Steve Ayorinde, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC). If you want to know more about the conference, CLICK HERE.
The next series on Olumo Rock will give you my detailed experience climbing the rock & tips on everything you need to know about Olumo rock before climbing! Who is joining me at the TIDA conference to support the growth of virtual tourism in Nigeria?
Photo Credit: @Stylomedia1, @TheFisayo, Ilo
