Google has announced its partnership with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).
This partnership will help Nigeria’s tourism sector to speedily recover and grow.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has been a year of significant partnerships for Nigeria.
In most cases, Nigeria partnered with Humanitarian unions and big tech organisations.
Indeed, several sectors felt the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tourism sector, however, happens to be among the most heavily affected.
As such, this kind of partnership with Google is highly desired and very timely.
Nature of the partnership
The partnership between Google and NTDC will provide training for SMEs.
Alongside this, it will also equip individuals with digital skill initiatives.
Finally, the partnership will see the launch of a new Google Art & Culture Collection (GACC).
Namely, ‘Tour Nigeria,’ the GACC will debut as an online exhibition of imagery, stories.
Likewise, there will be commentary highlighting Nigeria’s hidden gems like the following:
- Awhum Caves of Enugu
- Osun Osogbo sacred grove of Osun state
- Farin Ruwa falls of Nasarawa
- Ikogosi Warm Springs of Ekiti state
- Wikki Warm spring of Bauchi state, among several others.
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Additionally, the online exhibition will also feature photo stories of Nigeria’s cultural festivities.
Some notable ones include Kano Durbar festivals, Yauri Rigata festival, and several others.
‘Explore Nigeria’, a video initiative
The partnership between GAC and NTDC has birthed a video initiative themed, ‘Explore Nigeria.’
Currently, the video series features top Nigeria social media influencers and YouTube creators.
The series videos explore Nigeria’s untold stories through the eyes of the influencers.
Speaking on the ongoing development, Amit Sood, Director, Google Art and Culture, said that;
“Nigeria is a destination we all need on our travel shortlist soon.”
According to Sood, the nation boasts of rich heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant cities.
He also acknowledges the inevitable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travellers globally.
To that end, he believes the new initiative will promote Nigeria’s iconic essence.
On the receiving end, NTDC Director-General, Folorunsho Coker also has these to say:
“Tourism sector is a key pillar of the Nigerian economy.
“An initiative that supports and promotes domestic tourism is critical,” Coker added.
According to him, this does not only apply to the sector.
He added that stronger tourism would help Nigeria’s economy recover amid the pandemic.
Also, the DG believes the initiative will drive employment and stimulate economic growth.
He emphasized how the initiative is data-driven and seeks to promote ‘domestic tourism.’
Digital inclusion in Nigeria
Nigeria has finally woken to the digital call.
It is interesting to see more resources channelled in this direction.
Fair enough, this partnership will further strengthen digital inclusion in Nigeria.
For one, the program will setup a digital skill training.
As such, individuals can further skill up with on-demand digital skills. Of course, with a special focus on tourism.
There are also available opportunities for SMBs.
Google has specially designed a digital migration program for small businesses.
Undergoing these programs will help them get online.
This opportunity will also expand SMBs’ audience reach significantly.
Finally, Google intends to utilise its high-end technology in the delivery of this project.
On that note, it will maximise Nigeria’s tourist attractions through offerings like:
- 360°video
- Street view
- Ultra-high resolution “gigapixel” images
- Google Art & Culture initiative.
ALSO READ: Google Adds New AR Tools To Its Maps
Google Nigeria Country Director, Juliet Ehimuan- Chiazor did not hold back her words on this.
TheGuardianNigeria: Google Nigeria Director, Juliet Ehimuan- Chiazor
According to her, Google has always wanted to connect people and arts digitally.
“‘Explore Nigeria’ is an expression of that desire.”
“The program demonstrates our economic support (of) and commitment to Nigeria,” she concludes.
What Techuncode thinks about the Project
It is no news that we have always stood for innovative courses such as this.
It is interesting to see that Nigeria has continued to enjoy more foreign interventions.
Recall that we recently shared a thought on Facebook’s increasing interest in Nigeria.
Similarly, Google has remained a consistent promoter of digital inclusion in Nigeria.
This, to us, is scary!
Considering that the major digital shifts in Nigeria are pioneered by foreign players.
How do we ensure this does not lead to possible exploitation in the future?
Also, how do we ensure that our real value is measured by foreign investment?
In conclusion
Nigeria is currently experiencing its greatest shift in digitization.
It is definitely the best time to witness all of these massive developments.
What do you think about the partnership between both NTDC and GACC?
Kindly share with us your thoughts in the comments section below.
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