The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has expressed readiness to work with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) to set a record with the hosting of World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) coming up this November and other programmes of the Institute.
President, Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku who gave this assurance on Thursday in Abuja while playing host to the leadership of NTDA said the Forum serves as a great platform for Nigeria to showcase its rich tourism potentials.
Describing tourism as a soft power of influence, the NIPR boss stressed that partnership with NTDA gives NIPR, the Host Association of WPRF opportunity to give delegates coming into Nigeria from across 126 countries for the Forum a unique Nigeria's hospitality experience.
While acknowledging that Nigeria has multi-billion Naira industry in tourism, he urged the new NTDA leadership to harness several tourist attractions in the country, with suitable narratives that offer more value to tourists.
"We have agreed to work with NTDA. You (DG) are one of us and we see it as a duty to give you the maximum support to ensure you success and development of our country", he stated.
Earlier, the Director General of NTDA, Mr. Ola Awakan had among other things things sought the Institute's partnership to promote the nation's reputation, which he said will boost tourists' confidence and support the diversification agenda of the federal government.
"I know the power of public relations. If you say you are marketing Nigeria, image-making is part of what we do and we can't do it alone without the partnership of the professionals, where NIPR has a large influence. We are people of great culture and tradition, we are people of rich arts. This is a message we need to send to the world and NIPR is key in achieving success", he stated.
He expressed the commitment of his office to curate tours that will give WPRF delegates an excellent experience. He said the country's identity represented in culture, food, music and fashion, which serve as soft sale will help in redefining the experiences of Nigeria's international stakeholders
Highlight of event was the decoration of Awakan as WPRF Ambassador. The DG also reciprocated with dedication of Dr. Neliaku as Tourism Ambassador.