The Mexico’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Marco Blanco has disclosed that his country is ready to partner with Nigeria to fast-track the development of tourism in the country.

Blanco speaking at a breakfast meeting with the Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Sally Mbanefo said   Mexico will help Nigeria to take advantage of the fact that it is an emerging tourism destination in the world.

While noting that tourism is the best way to move, he said “Tourism is the best way to create and strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Mexico” He added. “Mexico has continued to be a destination of choice for many people around the world and currently ranked 10th globally in the international visitor arrivals”, he said.

The ambassador who lauded the Director General, NTDC for her achievements within a short time in office as DG said, “We have been monitoring Nigeria for some time now and we are proud of what you are doing to sell Nigeria to other countries. We applaud the commitment, innovation and passion brought by NTDC and this is our ground for partnering with NTDC”.

While thanking the ambassador, the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, (NTDC) Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, said the partnership will assist in developing tourism in Nigeria.

“I am pleased to partner with the Mexican representatives, I am happy that they reached out to us.

“The partnership is also a sign of better things to come and Nigeria recognizes the importance of tourism to the economy”, she said.

Mbanefo said that the promotion of domestic tourism is to encourage Nigerians to travel within Nigeria, believing it will create unity and peaceful harmony.

She stated that the corporation would sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mexico for a proper tourism exchange programmes between the two countries.

This will develop and strengthen the relationship, friendship and bilateral cooperation between the two countries and also promote the concept of tourism value chain.

Also speaking at the meeting, President, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, FTAN, Mr. Tomi Akingbogun urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for tourism to thrive.

“Tourism all over the world is private sector driven with little government support but Nigeria can become one of the best destinations with the right policies in place”, he said.