Nigeria’s tourism map to be unveiled before year-end

“We are collating data to ensure the map is accurate.”

News Agency of Nigeria • July 11, 2021

The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) says the production of a specialised map to aid the nation’s tourist navigation will soon be unveiled before the end of this year.

Folorunsho Coker, Director-General of the Corporation, said on Sunday that Nigerians would soon get the new map in hotels, airports and other tourist places.

“We have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation to develop a tourism map together.

“They have the geographical information and we have the data for tourist destinations.

“We are collating data to ensure the map is accurate.

“Physical copies will be stationed in hotels, airports and other hospitality and tourism establishments,” Mr Coker said.

According to him, the information is ready but the collation of the information will take time, but said the map would be ready before the end of the year.

He said that the emergence of increased tourist activities around the country, especially in hiking communities required a specialised map.

“We all know that the best map is one that has local content. Nobody knows my backyard better than I do. I know where there are waterfalls, springs, unique rock formations and the best spots for picnics.

“In many countries with a thriving tourism sector, you can tell the concierge at your hotel that you want to visit a particular restaurant.

“They bring out a small map and say you are here and this is where you are going,” he said.

According to him, there are several active hiking communities in Nigeria and our environment is never static as seasons come and go.

“Information like that on a map is crucial for people who plan to hike a trail, go camping or explore the city.

“It is also crucial for people who are not in the digital world to stay up to date with happenings around them,” the director-general said.

He said that the map will promote COVID-19 compliant establishments, rules and regulations to help guide the tourists’ decision-making process.

“For example, in Kano State, there are specific rules that are specific to the state when compared to Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt,” Mr Coker said.

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