Justina Uzo
Determined to give the tourism industry the push it deserves in Ondo State, the tourism promotion NGO called Destination Ondo has unveiled a tour bus and car services for the use of tour operators in the Sunshine State.
Speaking on this new development, the Founder of Destination Ondo, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who is also the strategic consultant to Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Tourism, said the new product is aimed at addressing logistics challenges experienced by tour operators in the state.
‘‘The logistics challenges experienced by most tour operators have been solved with the introduction of Destination Ondo bus and car services,’’ he said.
Akinboboye, who is also President, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos revealed details of how the venture is expected to run for the benefits of tourists and tour operators: “With fleet of buses and cars already acquired for this purpose, they would be operated by professionally- trained and skilled drivers as well as tour guides and security personnel. Entertainment and refreshment packages are attached to each bus and car for the duration of the tour.”
Also, he said there is an option of a bespoke service, which is an all – inclusive package covering accommodation in a top rated hotel of choice, food and drinks, tours, entertainment, night life shows and such other personalised services on request.
According to Destination Ondo, to benefit from this unique offer, tour operators are only expected to sell the package and provide the tourists while Destination Ondo takes up the duty of chaperoning the tourists and ensuring they avail the best services on offer and a memorable experience of Ondo State that will last a lifetime.
Since its debut over a year ago, Destination Ondo, with operational offices in Ondo town and Lagos, has introduced a number of creative and tourist products and services, including Asun Carnival held last year in Ondo town, the first ever carnival to be staged by a private concern in the state.
It also launched carnival and festival costumes’ making industry in Ondo town as part of making Ondo the hub for carnival and festival costumes in Africa. The project took off with a free training programme for over 600 youths and women. It is designed as an economic empowerment platform for the people of Ondo and for improving the tourism economies of the state.
The promotion of sports-tourism has also commenced with the staging of Destination Ondo football tournament.
