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Tag: tourism

  • Skal Club re-elects Ademola Sanya as president

    Skal Club re-elects Ademola Sanya as president

    Skal Club Lagos, an international professional organization of tourism practitioners, has re-elected Mr. Ademola Sanya as president, to lead the body for another year running from April 2022 to March, 2023.

    At its Annual General Meeting, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, the Club also elected Mrs. Bukola Rokosu as First Vice President and Mrs. Chinwe Efidi, as Second Vice President.

    Also elected as Secretary is Noela Ifedirah; Emmanuella Inegbedion, Assistant Secretary; Akeem Adewole, Treasurer; Chudi Aligwekwe, Financial Secretary; Ezinne Esinnah, Publicity Secretary; Maryann Onuoha, Welfare Secretary; and Olayinka Dare, Assistant Welfare Secretary.

    Skal is a global organization of tourism practitioners which seeks to promote excellence in tourism practice and friendship among practitioners.

    The Lagos club of Skal, which is a leading arm of the body, was established 63 years ago and has continued to be a voice for the industry and catalyst to good professional practice in the industry.

    Mr. Ademola is a consummate travel industry operator who had worked with British Airways for over 30 years, before founding RHG Consult, where he is the Chief Executive Officer.

    He is to pilot the affairs in the club in a period that is challenging in the aviation industry because of the impact of covid-19, of which travel and tours was more affected.

    In his acceptance speech, Mr. Ademola said he is honored to be re-elected as president, observing that it was not a coincidence that he started his tenure in the period that the Covid-19 pandemic was ravaging the world, and is now being re-elected at a time the world is seeing a glimmer of hope for recovery in the industry and global economy at large.

    He challenged members of the club to remain professional and focused even in the face of challenges in the industry, reminding them that all hands must be on deck to achieve the desired results.

    According to him, that was the purpose for setting up an all-inclusive committee with members drawn from various backgrounds.

    He promised to continue promoting travel and tourism in collaboration with all stakeholders and government entities and expressed his appreciation to the out-going executives as well as members for their support.

    Mr. Ademola also, encouraged the newly elected officers and members to work with him to build an association everyone will be proud of.

  • Isoko/Urhobo Unity Forum looking beyond oil, to focus on entertainment, tourism for economic integration of both ethnic groups

    Isoko/Urhobo Unity Forum looking beyond oil, to focus on entertainment, tourism for economic integration of both ethnic groups

    By Emman Ovuakporie
    Sensing the dangers ahead the Isoko and Urhobo Unity Forum, after brainstorming last Saturday resolved to look beyond oil and gas and focus on the entertainment/tourism industries for economic emancipation of both nationalities.
    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the oldest ethnic groups in Delta position on how to look beyo d oil and re-engineer the focus of both nationalities as oil is a resource that cannot be recouoed but both entertainment and tourism if prooerly developed will stand the test of time.

    Both ethnic groups also thinkered on the possibility of massive production of onions due to the recent threat by the Onion Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria to stop the supply of onions to the Southern part of the country, Urhobo/Isoko nationalities of Delta State have been charged to take advantage of the opportunity of the threat to integrate and go into the cultivation of some of the food items supplied to the Southern part of the country from the North.

    Giving this charge on Saturday on the occasion of Urhobo/Isoko Unity Forum Conference held at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun, Delta State, the President-General of Isoko Development Union, IDU, Prof. Christopher Akpotu, who spoke on the topic, “Urhobo/Isoko Economy, Ways We Can Thrive Together”, said that the two ethnic nationalities must engage in economic integration and turn the North’s threat to ban food supply to the South into opportunity to venture in the cultivation of onions and rearing of cattle.

    Akpotu stated that technology has simplified agriculture to the extent that grasses can be grown at homes for the feeding of cattle just as onions could be grown in most parts of Urhobo and Isoko lands.

    He said: “Just some days ago or some weeks ago, the Onions Sellers Association of Nigeria and the Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria, made a threat declaration that if we are not careful with our utterances that we make, there will be no onions and cattle in the southern part of Nigeria.

    And when that threat came up it was treated with triviality in the ordinary Nigerian way. For me as a strategist and an entrepreneur, it was an opportunity for us. I never looked at this issue from a trivial perspective. Urhobo/Isoko, I charge you today, our economic integration is going to start from planting onions. Our economic integration is going to start from rearing cattle.

    “In recent times, technology has taken us to the extent where we can grow grasses in labs; we can grow grasses in our homes even more than what is grown outside. If that be the case, then there will be no need for anybody to threaten us that you are withdrawing cattle from us.

    “We will economically integrate here and we will be able to produce enough cattle to market to the entire sub-region. And we will do it in a most scientific manner.”

    Akpotu also disclosed that the proposed economic integration between the Urhobo and Isoko can also be developed by exploring into the field of entertainment and tourism in the area, adding that it is time for Urhobo/Isoko to think less about oil.

    He noted that the entertainment industry contributes several trillion of dollars in GDP to the American economy, adding that Isoko and Urhobo have abundant talents who are holding sway in the entertainment business.

    “Our focus should not be on oil. In a season where the world is beginning to discuss on entertainment, we shouldn’t be talking about oil. At a time the former American President, Jimmy Carter, charged Americans to explore the entertainment world. And that was why in the days of Michael Jackson of blessed memory, when he came up with the track “Thriller”, the American President as it were, said, “This is an American dream come true”.

    “The entertainment industry is a massive sector. If you discuss Hollywood in America, the contribution of Hollywood to the GDP of American economy in the California area runs into trillions of dollars. And if we are able to harness the several talents we have in the entertainment industry, the economic integration among the Urhobo and Isokos will be an interesting one”, he said.

    Citing the success story of the economic integration of the European nations which metamorphosed into the European Union, EU, Akpotu further charged Urhobo/Isoko to identify the areas of comparative advantages that will make the two ethnic nationalities to become a leading economy not only in Nigeria, but in the world.

    He also dwelt on the abundant tourist attractions within Urhobo and Isoko nation, citing the Ethiope River and the site where Bible was believed to have fallen from the sky in Araya, Isoko South Local Government Area in 1914.

    Earlier, the convener of the Urhobo/Isoko Unity Forum Conference, Deacon Chris Iyowaye, had reiterated the vision of the Forum to reinvigorate the unity that had existed between the two ethnic nationalities, stressing that there is the need to re-emphasize the things that bind the Urhobo and Isoko together at this critical time.

    Iyowaye who spoke on the topic “Urhobo/Isoko – Unity, our Bond”, traced the age-long cordial relationship between the Isoko and Urhobo, adding that the baton of unity handed to the new generation of Urhobo and Isoko people should not be allowed to drop.

    In a nutshell, there is always reason to agree to disagree or disagree to agree. Urhobo/Isoko people by nature are not just YES men! We critically evaluate issues, by seeking diverse opinions, thoroughly exhaust alternatives, re-evaluate modify before reaching a general consensus. We neither believe nor subscribe to “Winner Takes All” mindset.

    “In conclusion, we implore therefore, that once we as individuals and, as a collective begin the practice of subordinating our personal interest for the over all interest of our people, we shall behold more of the things we share in common as against those divisive and retrogressive tendencies which are the stops to our togetherness and harmonious coexistence.

    “Therefore, the existing baton of unity handed to us from the previous generations must not drop as we prepare to handover same to the next generation”, he said.

    Also speaking at the occasion, the President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Olorogun Moses Taiga emphasized the bond between the Urhobo and Isoko, adding that both nationalities were one over the years.

    The UPU PG who was represented by the Deputy President-General, Chief Anthony Onoharigho, Ph.D, said that the Isoko people have a common heritage with the Urhobo, pointing out that there is a strong bond and affinity between both tribes.

    He said: “There is a very long bond and affinity between the Isoko people and the Urhobo. We are a people of common heritage. The fact is incontrovertible and is not a subject of debate. Indeed, the two nations have virtually everything in common.

    “Today, we are looking at working together. Every Isoko man and Urhobo man are one. Isoko and Urhobo have never been involved in a combat. Let us not bring those things that divided us. Isoko and Urhobo have to work towards getting things done.”

    Former labour leader, Chief Frank Kokori, while speaking, also emphasized the unity that had existed between the Urhobo and Isoko in the past, stressing that it is wrong for some person to dig out what divided the two ethnic nationalities, but rather they should seek what bind them together.

    Speaking to The New Diplomat, on the essence of the forum, one of the organizers of the conference, Hon. Gibson Akporehehe stated that it was for the two ethnic nationalities of Urhobo and Isoko to forge unity.

    Akporehehe confirmed that the Urhobo/Isoko Unity Forum is non-partisan, adding that it is the vision of the Forum to continue to work for the unity of the two ethnic nationalities beyond 2023.

    According to him, where there is the need to seek for a credible and qualified person for any position, the group would work without political and ethnic sentiment, adding that it will be guided by the principle of merit.

    Present at the ceremony were a cross section of kings from Urhobo and Isoko nations, Presidents-General of various communities from Isoko and Urhobos amongst women and youths from across the two nationalities.

  • Lagos bubbles back to life as hotels, restaurants, bars, cinemas get green light to resume operations

    Lagos bubbles back to life as hotels, restaurants, bars, cinemas get green light to resume operations

    The Lagos State Government has listed some modalities, set of protocols and guidelines that must now be put in place and implemented by hospitality and tourism establishments for re-opening of business activities in the State.

    In a statement issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf over the weekend, the protocols and guidelines are meant to ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff in all the facilities involved.

    According to her, “The new rules affect all Accommodation Establishments such as Hotels, Motels, Apartments, Suites, Inns, Guest Houses etc; Tourism Enterprises like Event Centres/Entertainment Places, and Food Establishments, like Restaurants, Eateries, Fast Food, Lounge and Bars, and Cinemas”.

    The Commissioner explained that the Ministry arrived at the set of protocols for the practitioners after due consultations with relevant stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector and in recognition of the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the industry.

    While noting that, apart from the general safety protocols which include the compulsory use of face masks, regular hand washing, use of sanitisers, maintenance of social distancing, temperature check, encouragement of cashless transactions, disinfection of premises and buildings among others, Akinbile-Yussuf stated that owners of hospitality establishments are now required to offer 50% of their space capacity to guests for now in order to maintain physical distancing, in addition to the separation of dining tables.

    She said, “For now, there will be no buffet serving arrangement. All guests (over 18 years old) must be made to sign a COVID-19 form at the reception that has the name, address and phone number of guests for easy contact tracing purpose”.

    For owners of Food Establishments such as Restaurants, Eateries, Fast Food, Lounge and bar among others, she said Restaurants and Eateries are mandated to indicate two metres spacing on the floor to guide their customers in physical distancing, adding that Fast Food outlets and Eateries are also to maintain take-away services for now.

    On the modalities for tourism enterprises such as Event Centres/Entertainment Places, the Commissioner directed that they must hold a valid licence from Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture prior to holding an event, in addition to an Event Safety Clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission before such event is held.

    “Occupancy at any event, for now, must not exceed 50% maximum capacity of the hall with a maximum duration of three hours for all social events. Event Centres sitting arrangement must also comply with the two metres physical spacing. All tables must be set at least five meters apart in order to maintain a safe distance and free movements”, Akinbile-Yusuf stated.

    She warned against violation of the stated conditions by event centre owners and party planners, stressing that the penalty for the infraction will attract a sum of One Million Naira.

    While maintaining that owners of cinemas are to follow all guidelines stipulated for the hospitality sector and event centres as it relates to 50 percent capacity, two metres spacing and the signing of COVID-19 forms by customers above 18 years, the Commissioner stressed that the operation of all cinemas within the State must not exceed the hours stipulated by the government to ensure compliance with the 10 p.m to 4 a.m curfew directive.

  • [Details] $.7m luxury ship to boost water tourism in Lagos

    [Details] $.7m luxury ship to boost water tourism in Lagos

    A Nigerian tourism investor, Mr Adeyanju Lipede, has acquired a $700,000 luxury ship for leisure sea cruise to boost water tourism and explore the country’s beautiful waterways.

    Lipede, who is also the owner of Hi-Impact Planet, an amusement park in Lagos, disclosed this to newsmen on Monday at Hi-Impact Cruise, Onikan Lagos.

  • Access Bank Supporting Marathon to boost Tourism, GDP

    Access Bank Supporting Marathon to boost Tourism, GDP

    With the 2020 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon fast approaching, the headline sponsor and Africa’s largest Bank in terms of retail size, Access Bank Plc has reiterated that its sponsorship of the race is geared towards improving the economic and social outlook of the state.

    While speaking about the marathon, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc., Herbert Wigwe said, “As one of the leading banks in Nigeria and indeed Africa, it is imperative for us to support the economic and social development of the communities in which we operate.

    “Hence, we have sponsored the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon for five years to make Lagos State more attractive to tourists and foreign investors alike. We have also used this platform as an avenue to create more jobs and opportunities to thousands in the state,” he added.

    He went further to add that, “to ensure that the impact of the marathon, as felt in Lagos State, is duplicated and sustained, we have also begun sponsoring marathons and other sporting events across different states in Nigeria as highlighted by our sponsorship of the Abeokuta marathon.”

    With over 100,000 participants recorded across the last two editions of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Wigwe said he expects the trend to continue as the marathon which has moved up from a Bronze Label marathon to a Silver Label, less than five years after its maiden edition, continues to garner the respect of top international and local athletes alike.

    This year’s edition of the marathon billed for February 8 offers a cumulative prize of 500,000 USD to be won by contestants.

  • Kajuru Resort attack is set back on tourism promotion – Minister

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described the Friday attack on the Kajuru Castle Resort, a popular resort in Kaduna State, as “a setback to efforts to promote tourism in the country.”

    In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the minister, on behalf of the Federal Government, condoled with the families of the two persons, a Nigerian and a Briton killed in the attack.

    He assured that the government would do everything possible to apprehend the killers and bring them to justice.

    Mohammed said the security agencies were doing everything possible to ensure that the three persons kidnapped in the attack were released unharmed.

    “The dastardly attack that led to the death of Ms Faye Mooney, a British aid worker, and Mr Matthew Oguche, a Nigerian, while visiting the popular resort is a setback to efforts to promote tourism in the country.

    ”We commiserate with the families and friends of Ms Mooney and Mr Oguche.

    “We assure that the security agencies will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to apprehend the killers and bring them to justice,” he said.

    The minister said the Federal Government had stepped up efforts to stem the wave of violence and banditry in some parts of the country.

    He said this was through better intelligence gathering and increased collaboration by the security agencies.

    Mohammed said the efforts had started paying off, adding that the level of violent attacks, banditry and kidnappings was being reduced nationwide.

    ”The government will not relent until all parts of the country are made safe for all, whether they are tourists, business people or ordinary Nigerians who just want to live under atmosphere of peace and security,” he said.

  • Synagogue church receives highest number of tourists annually in Nigeria

    The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) receives the highest number of tourists annually in Nigeria, a tourism expert has said.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Gbenga Onitilo stated this at the Nigeria Travel Week (NTW) 2018 event, being the 2nd edition of NTW, held in Lagos.

    “The synagogue church (SCOAN) in Ikotun receives the highest number of tourists in Nigeria. It is a city on its own,” Onitilo said.

    Every year, SCOAN hosts millions of national and international visitors.

    The church has been reported to attract more weekly attendees than the combined number of visitors to Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.

    Figures released by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) indicated that six out of every ten foreign travellers coming into Nigeria are bound for SCOAN.

    Over two million local and inbound tourists visit the Christian organization, which runs Emmanuel TV television station from Lagos, annually.

    Also, the SCOAN’s popular services have resulted in an enormous boost for local businesses and hoteliers.

    “You need to sell to the world what you want them to come and see,”Ademola Sanya, a participant at the event, stated.

    According to Yemisi Shyllon, also a participant at the event, Nigeria has the potential to generate ten times more than what it is generating from crude oil.

    “From proven parameters, we are talking about $700 billion; and Lagos alone can make $70 million. Forget the roads and insecurity — there are dark spots all over the world. Why do we travel abroad? It’s because we want to see something foreign to our culture

    “We have to design our tourism to showcase our cultural identity. There is beauty around our culture (and identity), lets stop denigrating our culture. We Nigerians, we demean our culture; we demonise our culture; we destroy our culture. But that’s what you all go to Dubai to see/experience.

    “Tourism is about selling all the material and intangible culture of a people to foreigners,” he stated.

    Femi Lawson, a participant as well, stressed that Nigeria is getting to a point where the tourism industry would be run by foreigners.

    “It has happened to our crude oil already. We are getting to a point where the local tourism industry will be run by foreigners. We have to urgently take charge of our own narrative,” Femi said at NTW 2018.

    NTW is a multi-day tourism event platform that aims to drive the Nigeria tourism sector by bringing together buyers, consumers, travel techs, tourism/travel service providers and the media to network, review and discuss the development of tourism in the country.

     

  • Nigeria’s tourism sector not sellable for now, lacks infrastructure –expert

    Bassey Umo, an executive with World and Travel Land (WONTRA), says that Nigeria’s tourism sector is not sellable for now due to lack of essential infrastructure.

    Umo, and other Travel and Tourism experts, on a familiarisation tour to Morocco to experience the country’s rich tourism and hospitality opportunities, said this on Friday in Casablanca.

    “Even if you want to take them to Olumo Rock or other such heritage sites, are there good roads to get there and hotels to stay.’’

    According to the expert, tourism is a veritable tool for national economic growth and positive image building for nations, but lamented that it is yet to be adequately harnessed in Nigeria.

    She stressed the need for government to do more in order to attract investors to the industry.

    Other experts, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), also urged Nigerian Government at all levels to create enabling environment to attract investors and tourists to explore the nation’s rich tourism potential for economic growth.

    The experts, who visited acclaimed tourism cities of Casablanca, Marrakech and El-Jadidah, also met with their Moroccan counterparts to share experience and find areas of possible collaboration.

    They said having experienced the dynamic tourism sector of Morocco which attracts investors and tourists from Europe and other parts of the world, there was the need to urge other African countries develop the sector.

    Mr Taiwo Oladele, the General Manager of Dees Travels and Tours Ltd, said that as the Nigerian government was working toward economic diversification, the nation’s rich tourism potential should be harnessed.

    He noted that although private investors were supposed to come into the sector for it to strive, it was the responsibility of government to provide enabling environment, especially basic infrastructure and security.

    “The sector needs local and even foreign investors for it to grow and contribute meaningfully to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the government should provide necessary amenities such as stable power supply.

    “We visited a lot of hotels here, and found out that power was constant, even in the remote areas, without hearing the sound of a power generating set.

    “No economy can grow without adequate security, as tourists visiting a destination want to be sure that their lives would be safe before coming,’’ he said.

    According to Oladele, if the nation’s tourism sector is fixed and working, it will have positive spiral effects on other sectors of the economy such as agriculture, transport, and job opportunities.

    He, however, advised that government and local investors should be patient to realise the long-term returns of investing in tourism.

    “They should avoid the-reap it now and get rich quick syndrome, because tourism does not produce results over night, it takes time to bring returns.” he said.

    However, Mr Claud Batohi, the Director AMEX GBT Nigeria, noted that Nigeria had cultural and historical heritages peculiar to its different group of people, which needed to be well packaged and made presentable to tourists.

    “Nigeria has culture and history that people all over the world want to identify with, and that is why it should be made attractive to tourists.

    “Recently, the French President came to Alausa in Lagos State to identify with the people’s culture, so if the president could do that, then other people should be willing to come experience Nigeria’s culture,” he noted.

    He, therefore, called for collective efforts between investors and government at all levels to focus on developing tourism in the country.

    NAN reports that the familiarisation tour was organised by the Moroccan National Tourism Office in collaboration with the Royal Air Maroc, for industry players of both countries to share experience and build areas of collaboration.

  • Wike unveils plan for tourism development in Rivers

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has reiterated his commitment to develop the tourism potential of the state.

    The governor, in a meeting with journalists on the sidelines of the recently concluded National Festival of Arts and Culture held in Port Harcourt, said there was a need to constantly showcase the cultural heritage of Rivers and to manage its tourism potential in such a way as to enhance its economic growth.

    He said, “Rivers State has a rich cultural heritage and the potential to emerge as a first class tourist destination. For this reason, I have said that every year we must host a major cultural activity in the state. In doing this, we hope to showcase the cultural and tourism potential of the state to the rest of the world.

    “Everything must not always be about politics. I believe that culture and tourism are also very important. Politics has failed this country, in terms of unification of the people. The only unifying factors today are culture, tourism and sport.

    “We have built the Jim Rex-Lawson Cultural Centre in Port Harcourt, for example, for the purpose of developing the tourism potential of this state. I dare say that there is no other facility of its kind in any part of the country.”

    Wike said that the state government had entered a deal with some of the major artistes in the country, which required them to occasionally visit the state and showcase their talents at the centre.

    “If you visit the Pleasure Park, you will understand why we are keen on tourism development. If I have a potential and I don’t let the world know about it, then I have a problem. I have to do anything necessary to promote culture and tourism in RiversState and that is what I will continue to do,” he said.

    The governor also said that the only obstacle standing between the Rivers State Government and its plan to transform Port Harcourt into the ‘Dubai of Nigeria’ was the Federal Government.

    He explained, “We have a solid plan to develop tourism in Rivers State and we believe it should grow, but we also have a limitation in a sense that this plan is dependent on the government in power at the centre.

    “If you have a Federal Government that is hostile to the state government, how can you achieve it? You can’t achieve it. And that is not what is supposed to be.

    “So, having the will or plan to develop tourism is different from actualising it because of the hostile attitude of the Federal Government. We must be able to tell ourselves the simple truth.”

    Speaking on the need to introduce culture to the school curriculum in Nigeria, Wike said that no meaningful progress could be achieved without placing emphasis on the teaching of culture and history in schools.

    “I think that culture should be embedded in the educational curriculum. How can I have a child who doesn’t know the culture of his people? Culture is part of development and growth. So, it is important and quite necessary to let our children learn about the cultures of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria,” he said.

  • FG to make tourism veritable earner for Nigeria – Buhari

    The Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja pledged to make tourism a veritable earner for the country.
    President Muhammadu Buhari made the pledge at the launching of the Heritage Bikers Tour of Nigeria.
    Buhari, who was represented by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, said the effort would support sustainable development going on to uplift the nation.
    “LAMA Bikers, though citizens of different nations of the world including Brazil, Mexico, USA, Puerto Rico, South Africa, but are joined together by a common desire to promote heritage and tourism in nations that welcome them.
    “ Nigeria has welcomed them in line with our ambition to make tourism a veritable income earner for this nation.
    “I am very pleased at this laudable initiative birthed by the National Commission of Museums and Monuments of Nigeria (NCMM),“ the president said.
    The president said the tour would take local and international biking group, led by LAMA Bikers, to museums, monuments and heritage sites in 11 states of the federation.
    According to Buhari, the tourism sites in the 11 states are under the auspices of the NCMM.
    In his vote of thanks, Acting Director-General, NCMM, Alhaji Abdulkerim Kadiri, expressed gratitude to the president for his clear vision for placing generation of revenue through tourism among the six-point agenda of his administration.
    He applauded the Minister for Information and Culture for his keen interest in the project and effort to promote tourism in Nigeria using national cultural heritage.
    “Today, we are living witnesses to the renaissance that he has for long championed,” he said.
    He thanked the First Entertainment Company, Lumazio Production and Entertainment, Jordan FM, Federal Inland Revenue Services, all parastatals present, including all media houses that are supporting the laudable event.
    “We are bold to add that our quest and desire to rebrand the NCMM with this project is a decision in the right direction. This project shall be an annual event so we appeal to all and sundry to join hands with us.
    “Also to use this project and others that will soon come on board in making Nigeria one of the most important tourism destinations in the world,” he said.
    NAN