The Oyo State Government has announced a comprehensive plan to regulate the operations of travel and tour agencies within the state. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with industry standards and protect consumers from fraudulent practices.
Background and Rationale
Since 2019, Oyo State has experienced a significant increase in tourism, with daily visitors rising from approximately 1,604 in May 2019 to about 18,459 by December 2024. This surge has led to a proliferation of tour operators, growing from 96 to 1,704 within the same period. However, many of these operators are unregistered and operate without adhering to relevant laws and regulations, resulting in substandard services and potential security risks.
Government's Plan of Action
To address these challenges, the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), has initiated a sensitization and registration exercise for all travel and tour operators in the state. The objectives of this exercise include:
Database Creation: Establishing a comprehensive database of travel and tour agencies to facilitate effective monitoring and evaluation.
Compliance Enforcement: Ensuring that all operators adhere to industry standards and legal requirements to enhance service quality.
Consumer Protection: Providing the public with a means to verify the legitimacy of travel and tour agencies, thereby safeguarding them against fraudulent operators.
Enhanced Security: Supplying security agencies with accurate information to mitigate potential threats associated with unregistered operators.
Implementation Timeline
The sensitization campaign is scheduled to commence on March 24, 2025, and will span one month. During this period, travel and tour operators are encouraged to register with the state government. Post-sensitization, enforcement actions will be taken against unregistered operators to ensure compliance.
Stakeholder Engagement
Dr. Olatokunbo Dagunduro, Deputy National President (South-West Zone) of NANTA, has expressed support for the government's initiative. He highlighted concerns about the influx of unregistered agencies, some of which lack physical offices, posing ethical and security challenges. NANTA has pledged to collaborate with the government to ensure the success of the sensitization and enforcement drive.
Conclusion
The Oyo State Government's proactive approach to regulating the travel and tour sector underscores its commitment to promoting tourism while safeguarding the interests of residents and visitors. By enforcing compliance and enhancing service standards, the state aims to solidify its reputation as a safe and attractive tourist destination.
Keywords: Oyo State, travel and tour agencies, regulation, tourism, consumer protection, NANTA, unregistered operators, service standards, security, sensitization campaign.
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