Newly-elected National Vice President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), in charge of the South-South geopolitical zone, Chief Anthony Tosan Prest, has spoken on his plans unlock the hidden treasures of the South-South with a view to harnessing and developing the Blue tourism potential in the region.
Chief Tosan Prest, a seasoned entrepreneur and businessman, who spoke with newsmen shortly after his emergence as National Vice President of ATPN for South-South region, reiterated his vision to harness the vast maritime resources in the South-South with a view to creating a thriving sustainable tourism industry.
He informed that collaboration partnership and meaningful engagement with critical stakeholders across the region including state and local local governments, private sector operators, and local communities would be his priority, pointing out that sensitisation was key in promoting sustainable blue tourism practices and infrastructural development in the maritime region.
“My vision for the South-South region’s tourism industry is built around promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique maritime resources. I strongly believe that by developing the blue tourism potential of the region, Nigeria could tap into the global tourism market and create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
“To achieve my regional agenda, I and my team intend to engage in advocacy with a view influencing policies, while working closely with government agencies and stakeholders to create enabling environment for Blue tourism development in the region. I also intend to promote public-private partnerships, capacity building, and community engagement to ensure that the benefits of tourism development are shared equitably among the local stakeholders,” he explained.
It would be recalled that Chief has consistently promoted blue tourism with a clear vision for tourism growth in the maritime region of Nigeria. His goal is to collaborate with government agencies and stakeholders to drive sustainable blue tourism activities in Africa and beyond.
Chief Prest’s vision, which is built around advocating for policies that promote sustainable tourism practices, will not only benefit the local economy but also preserve the region’s natural resources.
He believes that working closely with relevant stakeholders, he would be able to create a thriving tourism industry that showcases the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the South-South region.
As a seasoned entrepreneur and businessman, Chief Prest brings a wealth of experience to bear on his new role as national vice president of ATPN (South-South).
His background in establishing and managing successful businesses, including hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues, will undoubtedly be an asset in driving tourism growth in the region. With his leadership and expertise, the South-South region is poised to experience significant growth and development in the tourism sector.
