The Second Meeting of Commonwealth Tourism Ministers, Abuja, Nigeria, at the Nicon Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre from Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 April 2005
8 April 2005
ATTENTION: News Desk and International Editors Note on Media Accreditation (Not for publication).Download Accreditation form
Tourism Ministers and senior officials from Commonwealth countries will attend the Second Meeting of Commonwealth Tourism Ministers, taking place at the Nicon Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria, from Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 April 2005.
The Ministerial Meeting will be held at the Congress Hall, Nicon Hilton Hotel on 28-29 April. It will be preceded by a meeting of Senior Tourism Officials at the same venue on 27 April.
The Opening Ceremony for the Ministerial Meeting will be held on the evening of Wednesday 27 April at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in the presence of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, HE Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
A substantial part of Ministers' discussions will be on creating the terms of reference and work programme for the proposed Commonwealth Tourism Centre to be hosted in Malaysia , which will focus on information exchange, marketing and promotion, and investment promotion. Ministers will also have an interactive session with business leaders. A Travel Mart for the private sector will take place in parallel with the main meeting.
A Communiqué is expected to be issued at a closing press conference on Friday 29 April at 1230 hrs (tbc).
The Second Meeting is organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Nigeria. As is customary, ministerial executive sessions are closed to the media, but media briefings and interview opportunities will be arranged.
The Secretariat delegation will be led by Deputy Secretary-General Mr Winston Cox. The Spokesperson for the Meeting is James Robertson (Deputy Director Communications and Public Affairs, Commonwealth Secretariat) working with Otunba Runsewe, Chairman of Media/Publicity, Government of Nigerian, Commonwealth Tourism Ministers Meeting.
For further information, visit http://www.thecommonwealth.org/ or contact j.robertson@commonwealth.int (please use the subject header TOURISM MEDIA)
Media Accreditation Form
Media wishing to cover the Meeting of Commonwealth Tourism Ministers should complete the attached accreditation form and return it to the Communications and Public Affairs Division (CPAD), Commonwealth Secretariat, no later than Friday, 15th April 2005. You must be accredited in order to have access to the media facilities.
Media accreditation is the responsibility of the Commonwealth Secretariat, London. Applications for accreditation should be made on the attached form on the final page of this document or on photocopies made from it. Two passport sized photograph should be included with the application. Your application should be accompanied by a hardcopy letter on an original company letterhead indicating your role, signed by a senior editor, confirming the applicant has been assigned to cover the Meeting of Commonwealth Tourism Ministers.
For information on accreditation please contact:
e-mail: j.robertson@commonwealth.int
Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6379
Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081
Passport and Visa Requirements
Media entering Nigeria must be in possession of a valid passport and in many cases require a visa. NB: For more details, please contact your nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission or representative. Application should be made to the nearest mission. Applicants will need to submit their passport. Please check with the mission the customs procedures for bringing in equipment.
Media Centre
A Media Centre will be set up close to the main meeting. It will include a general work area for journalists and broadcasters, equipped with work desks, PCs with internet access, fax, printers, telephones and power points for media bringing their own laptop computers.
Media Arrivals and Accommodation
For advice please email j.robertson@commonwealth.int.
Media accreditation passes
The Nigerian Government will be responsible for registering journalists who have been accredited by the Commonwealth Secretariat after their arrival in Nigeria and issuing media identity passes. Identity passes will be prepared in advance and be available for collection in Abuja.
Banking
Banking hours are from 0800 hrs to 1530 hrs on weekdays. Some banks open on Saturdays from 1000 hrs to 1400 hrs.
The TMM designated hotels accept major credit cards. This may not be the case for some restaurants and shops. Cash dispensing machines are not available.
Most internationally recognised currencies and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at commercial banks, hotels, bureau de change and international airports.
The national currency is the Naira (N) and kobo (k). One Naira = 100 kobo. The rate of exchange at 15 February 2005 is US$1 = N130 and UK£1 = N230, respectively
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into Nigeria or exported on departure provided the amount is declared on arrival.
Climate and Clothing
The Nigerian climate is tropical in nature, and occasionally subjected to variations, depending on the rainfall. Temperatures are high throughout the year, averaging from 25° to 36°C. Northern Nigeria experiences greater temperature extremes than the south. In Abuja the rainy season begins in April, although rainfall varies widely over short distances from year to year. Clothing should be appropriate to these conditions.
Time
GMT + 1 hour.
Electricity Supply
The power supply is 240V/50 Hz. Electrical sockets are angled three pronged. Electrical adaptors can be affixed for two-pin plugs.
Drivers' Licences/Permits
Nigerian Law recognises international driving licences/permits, which must be valid. Drivers are expected to carry these when driving. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
Business and Shopping Hours
Government offices are open from 0800 hrs to 1600 hrs (Monday to Friday). Commercial houses are open from 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs (Monday to Friday). Most shops open on Saturdays - while very few open on Sundays. Abuja boasts a number of lively markets which are open from 0900 hrs to 1800 hrs Monday to Saturday.
Goods and Service Tax
Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on most goods and services at the rate of 5% except for goods purchased at duty-free shops at international airports.
Download Accreditation form
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