Global Tourism Promoter Amb.Phil Roberts.FCISM Calls for Inclusion of Tourism Volunteers Network in Mr President's Local Government Autonomy Committee

Global Tourism Promoter Amb.Phil Roberts.FCISM Calls for Inclusion of Tourism Volunteers Network in Mr President's Local Government Autonomy Committee

Local governments are established to bring governance closer to the grassroots, fostering development and accountability. In Nigeria, local government reforms aim to accelerate development and empower local communities to participate in governance. Local autonomy enables local authorities to manage public affairs effectively, freeing central authorities from local issues and allowing them to focus on broader national concerns.

As Nigeria prepares to enforce local government autonomy, Amb. Phil Roberts, FCISM, Executive Director of the Tourism Volunteers Network, is urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to include members of the organization in the local government teams for community tourism promotions enforcement.

With over 8,000 members across all local government areas in Nigeria, the Tourism Volunteers Network is well-positioned to support the government in promoting tourism at the grassroots level. Roberts emphasized the importance of community tourism initiatives in developing local economies and showcasing Nigeria's rich cultural heritage.

He called on all state executives of the Tourism Volunteers Network to mobilize their local government coordinators to work with local government chairmen, councilors, and ward coordinators to hold them accountable for tourism development in their areas.

The inclusion of Tourism Volunteers Network in the local government areas will play a vital role in ensuring that tourism development is visible at the grassroots level. Some of the roles that the volunteers will play include:

- Tourism Officer

- Tour Guide

- Event Coordinator

- Marketing Tourist Destination

- Heritage Site Manager

- Tourism Information Officer

- Sustainable Tourism Officer

- Community Tourism Engagement Officer

- Tourism Development Officer

- Local Tourism Association Manager

These roles will help promote tourism development in local government areas, create jobs, and stimulate local economies and these will be the outcome 

- Increased local participation and ownership in tourism development

- Improved management of local tourism resources and attractions

- Enhanced accountability and transparency in tourism revenue management

- More effective promotion of local tourism initiatives and attractions

- Greater autonomy for local authorities to develop and implement tourism policies

- Increased collaboration and partnerships between local stakeholders and tourism operators

- Better representation of local interests in tourism development decisions

- More efficient allocation of resources for tourism infrastructure development

- Improved sustainability and environmental management in tourism practices

With this autonomy and inclusion of our volunteers in the committe, tourism development can become more localized, inclusive, and sustainable, ultimately benefiting local communities and promoting Nigeria's rich cultural heritage."

For more information on the Tourism Volunteers Network,  follow us on social media @tourismvolunteersnetwork. Contact us at 08092348319 or 09047428874."