By Jimoh Babatunde
The premier global event for the travel industry, World Travel Market 2010, kicked off this morning in London with 46,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international press in attendance for the business-to-business exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism
industry.

The Director General Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe welcoming former Botswana President, Festus Mogae and Botswana,s High Commissioner to United Kingdom, Roy Blackbeard to the Nigerian Stand at the on going World Travel market in London Monday. Picture by Jimoh Babatunde

As at the time of  writing this reports, the Minister of Tourism and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar Siddiq, is being expected for the tourism

Ministers’ meeting where  more than 100 tourism ministers, senior aides and captains of industry  are expected to  with the task of shaping a strongertravel and tourism industry.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, World Travel Market Chairman, Fiona Jeffrey disclosed that tourism and travel industry is one of the world’s largest and surely the most exciting industries in the world, employing a staggering 235 million people worldwide and generating nearly ten per cent of global GDP.

She noted that when one region in the world is finding the marketplace particularly tough going, others are expanding and developing, leading the way to brave new horizons, adding that the  travel and tourism industry has never buckled or weakened – even in the teeth of trying and often turbulent times.
“We’ve shown in the past that the industry has backbone, professionalism, creativity and immense skill. But businesses need Government help, support and investment. In some cases legislation needs a sanity check.”

Jeffrey added “above all, travel and tourism needs greater universal recognition for what it is – a supreme economic driver that can lift people out of poverty, providing jobs and prosperity that will fuel the future.”

The WTM chairperson said she is proud that over the past 31 years, “World Travel Market has been able to build a reputation as a can-do organisation; not just another exhibition; but a pro-active, ‘happening’ business forum for the international industry.

“A place to discuss and exchange opinions – sometimes quite controversial views and ideas – and to learn more about the latest trends, the newest developments and emerging markets.”

Jeffrey said this year’s summit will not be an exception as they have brought together some of the most respected experts and industry leaders from around the world to help participants excel in business.

She added “The summit will focus on raising the political and economic recognition of tourism, looking at ways of creating a more competitive business environment that stimulates innovation, investment and creates sustainable growth.”

Meanwhile, formerPresident of Botswana, Festus Gontebanye Mogae, commended Nigeria’s participation at this year’s WTM. Mogae, who visited the Nigerian Stand in company of Botswana High Commissioner to UK, said he was impressed by the stand and the quality of materials on display.

The Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe while receiving the former Botswana President said Nigeria tourism has diverse offerings which are waiting for investors, “investors in Nigeria have the opportunity of making high returns on their investment”

He said Nigeria provides mouth watering incentives for investors that include tax holidays and that there are opportunities in hotels; eco-tourism and
conference tourism among others.