Destination Ondo, Ondo State’s strategic intervention in tourism, has unveiled uniquely curated tour bus and car services for tour operators and allied service providers both domiciled in and outside the state for the purpose of tour operations within the state tourism circuit.
This is to extend the frontiers of developing and promoting tourism business in Ondo State, with the introduction of innovative and creative product lines in its bid to push for tourism economy in the ‘Sun Shine’ state, which is noted for its unique endowments in different spheres.
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 as well as President, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos, said the new product line is aimed at addressing logistics challenges being experienced by tour operators in the state.
‘‘The challenge of logistics experienced by most tour operators has been solved with the introduction of Destination Ondo bus and car services,’’ he said while explaining details of how the service is expected to run for the benefits of the tourists and tour operators.
With a fleet of buses and cars already acquired for this purpose, they would be operated by professionally trained and skilled drivers, with tour guides, security personnel, entertainment and refreshment packages 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.
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 that they are avail of 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 fun filled products and services, which include Asun Carnival held last year in Ondo town, the first ever carnival to be staged by a private concern in the state.
It also recently launched a carnival and festival costume making industry in Ondo town as part of making Ondo the capital and 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 exploring the tourism economy of the state.
It has also added the promotion of sports tourism to its rich portfolio with the staging of the Destination Ondo Football tournament.