A new body, Plateau Hiking and Tour Association (PHATA), has emerged in Plateau State. The body, which was registered recently at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), by some Nigerians, was brought to the notice of our platform in a document delivered to us by a lead promoter of the tourism oriented body. The group through the document, promised her members, and the general public of her commitment, dedication and quality service delivery in her operations always.
Following receipt of the document, we spoke to some respondents in Jos, the Plateau State capital, to know their feeling regarding the new group. Below are the outcomes:
"The role played by these unique set of dedicated Nigerians in Plateau State, is strategic, fundamental, commendable and reassuring.
"I can assure you that plateau state has a lot to benefit from the activities of this set of minds: people oriented, impact driven and development minded. "They are obviously desirous and committed to strengthening tourism and advancing plateau state, beyond rhetoric and slogan. Their action translates to making real the slogan: Home of Peace and Tourism, which the state is reputed for, because of her rich endowments. Unfortunately, the state is yet to transit from slogan to reality over the years.
"It is heartwarming seeing the private sector wed in, and to think that a structure like PHATA is already in place, gladdens the heart and lives juicy taste in the mouth".
PHATA as a foundational structure was seen by the respondents spoken to as a necessary tool for the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry in the state. If supported by both state and non state actors, PHATA promises to contribute significantly towards the realization of the policy objectives of the state, and in several ways assist in addressing major challenges, especially those the public sector actors, in the various sensitive positions created. The body will also be relevant in terms of aggregating the private sector interests. The benefits are huge, deep rooted and long lasting. The timing is apt too. The group is a vital requirement for the development of tourism in Plateau state and Nigeria.
To attain the noble expectations of the well meaning respondents, the PHATA promoters, are enjoined to focus their efforts unflinchingly and tenaciously at transforming the tourism industry in the state, moving her from a place of very low ranking to a position where plateau state comes highly recommended in tourism activities among tourists in the globe.
Below is the abridged version of the document made available to us by the lead promoter of the group, a popular tourism practitioner and reputed tourism development advocate, based in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, Mr. Isaac Sanda. The statement reads:
"PHATA is Plateau Hiking And Tour Association.
"We want the public to know that there is now an association of hiking groups.
"We encourage hikers and hiking groups and tour guides to register with us so we can pursue our common interests and project tourism in the state.
"We would like local communities, local chiefs and youths to cooperate with hikers in promoting hiking in their localities".
The statement went on to assure that the group, will throw up visible changes and heartwarming results in the tourism industry, in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
PHATA through the document sort the support and cooperation of members, and the public, and reminded all that they cannot do any worthwhile thing without the members and the public.
"We will bring a boom in local tourism and cascade to project Plateau, and secure more external tourists", the document explains.
Our esteemed reader is here reminded that there is overwhelming evidence that Plateau State and Nigeria are naturally endowed, tourism wise. There are numerous amazing tangible and intangible heritage and culture. A peep into the tourism space in Plateau State and Nigeria, easily reveals special rock formations, hills, captivating landscapes, temperate weather and numerous sites. Also available are beautiful locations, scenic environments and exciting traditional and cultural festivals. Others are artefacts, special ornaments and tools. In addition to these are moral laws, habits, clothings and food, native medicines, folklores, housing and interesting ceremonies, oral and written literatures.
There is therefore, no arguing the fact that Mr. Isaac Sanda, and his team at PHATA, have opened a new vista in the Nigeria's development efforts, and have genuinely kick started a process of proving to the elect and the ignoramus as well, that tours in natural, cultural and rural landscapes can be a money spiner for the rural communities. They have also provided a glaring opportunity for the rural people to present, define and project themselves and their community on consistent basis to the people far away from them, in distant lands.
PHATA is a fundamental structure required to give tourism a strong boost, a sound footing in Plateau State and in Nigeria. Citizens and residents are by this report enjoined to embrace PHATA, and deploy it effectively as a reliable framework, a tool for harnessing the tourism potentials that abound almost everywhere in the country.
All hands in Plateau State are required to move Plateau State away from the status of a slogan driven tourism state, to effectively position her on the global tourism map, as the Home of Tourism, and a land of opportunities. Plateau State, indeed is a center of attractions, excitement, hospitality and tourism.
Welcome PHATA...
Report by Nnabugwu Chizoba
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