Nigerian Newsday

The Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has launched a comprehensive map on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to aid tourism in the country.

Performing the ceremony in Abuja, last week, NTDC’s Director-General, Olusegun Runsewe said the corporation would make tourism a major revenue earner for the country.

The comprehensive map of the FCT is meant to aid tourists, drivers and the citizenry into locating their various destinations.

The map, which has directional signs, would also be displayed in hotels and public places to create awareness on routes for motorists and pedestrians.

Runsewe, who said that the influx of tourists into the country increased by 25 percent this year, noted that the corporation had started prepaid medicare services to the hospitality industry.

He said NTDC would provide airport taxi operators with first-aid boxes and FCT maps, pointing out that they have the first contact with tourists.

Also speaking, FRSC FCT Sector Commander, Jonas Agwu said the innovation would reduce the use of phones by drivers seeking directions while driving.

Agwu, who demonstrated the usage of the map, said it would also reduce accident rates caused by lack of directional signs.

Agwu praised the NTDC for the innovation and urged drivers to always park their vehicles well before reading the map to avoid accident.

In his remarks, the chairman of pre-paid medicare Services, Lekan Iwela said, the outfit was partnering with the NTDC and Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA) to ensure affordable, equitable and accessible healthcare services to the industry.

On the operation and cost of the medical facility, Iwela said each hotel would be attached to a hospital within its vicinity for accessibility.

He added that the cost of the services would be charged through an annual premium to be paid by the hotels.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the corporate headquarters of the NTDC was recently renovated to reflect diversity and the potential of the nation’s culture and tourism sub-sector.(NAN)