Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential for Economic Development

Observers note that tourism industry has remained a key force for sustainable socio-economic development globally as many countries of the world have earned substantial revenue from the sector.

According to them, tourism is an act and process of spending time away from home in pursuit of recreation, relaxation and pleasure.

Tourism has become a sustainable revenue earner competing favourably with other sectors especially in the developed countries, they observe further.

However, in spite of the enormous tourism potential in Nigeria, analysts insist that tourism’s contribution to economic development in Nigeria leaves much to be desired.

For tourism industry to contribute significantly to economic development in Nigeria as seen in other countries, there must be a promotional remedies for the industry by the government, they suggest.

Also, they advise that for tourism industry to receive its desire attention in the country, government must involve in the planning and execution of marketing of tourism potential.

This, they note, could be by making effort in the invitation of travel agents to visit Nigeria by Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) from time to time with the aim of stimulating such travel agents’ interest in marketing Nigeria.

Similarly, according to them, the need for the compilation of statistics on international arrivals — tourism expenditure — with a view to travel, recreational and tourism development can never be over emphasised.

Incontrovertibly, the drop in global oil prices over the past few years has exposed the vulnerabilities of Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil, hence tourism industry, if revamped has the potential to attract substantial foreign exchange earnings.

Across the world, tourism has evolved to become one of the fastest growing industries, driven by advanced technology in travel.

To utilise the opportunities in the industry, tourism experts note that tourism in the country cannot be achieved without the collective efforts and investment commitment of a valid public-private partnership with major efforts from local communities and state governments.

They observe that tourist sites such as the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba, Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross Rivers and Yankari Games Reserves in Bauchi, among others, could be developed to world standards.

There should also be a consolidation on successes recorded in flagship tourist events such as the month-long Calabar Carnival which now attracts up to 50,000 visitors annually, they note.

All these cannot be achieved except and if not by training professionals such as tour guides, hotel and resort managers, caterers, taxi drivers and security personnel, among others.

Corroborating these views recently, the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that tourism would be the next oil industry in the country in terms of revenue generation among other benefits.

Mohammed stated that the industry had contributed to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 1.24 per cent and would target to increase it.

According to the minister, the nation’s tourism industry is the fastest growing industry that has employed more than one million people and has the capacity of employing beyond the number.

The minister who noted that the sector is “grossly untapped’’, said that the NTDC was sitting on a “cake of unexploited potential’’ and has the capacity to harness, attract and promote the country’s tourism.

“In the nearest future, creative industry will be the next oil of Nigeria because it will always remain fresh so it is very pivotal,’’ Mohammed said.

According to him, NTDC is not just an apex organisation of tourism but the centre and coordinator of tourism sector that promotes and markets Nigerian products locally and globally.

“The beauty of the industry is that it has created a platform and employment for youths; tourism is not just about sightseeing, rather the entire entertainment industry is to showcase the world what Nigeria is blessed with.

“The creative industry will be the next oil industry, our film, fashion, music, others will always remain fresh and attract people for visit.

“There are many things that will attract tourists in the country because we are blessed with rich cultural heritage, films and music that have global recognition,’’ he said.

Similarly, the Director-General, Mr Folorunsho Coker said that it was imperative for the corporation to have a legal framework to enable it to harness tourism potential.

Coker emphasised the need for an enabling environment, noting that if there was legal framework for tourism such as we have in the oil or telecommunications industry, the potential of tourism will be better harnessed.

He underscored the need for government to put tourism as a business in a balance sheet, to tap its rich economic resources, calling for intervention fund to enable tourism thrive in the country.

He described tourism as an export business such as oil and used the music and movie industry as a case study, adding that “Nigerian movies and music are globally recognised’’.

According to him, the corporation is the marketing arm that showcases and markets government tourism activities.

The director-general also said that legal framework, cash release, airline experience, cost, security and value for money were agents that would drive tourism to an enviable height.

Coker also stated that there was need for funding to market products, stressing that tourism had been private sector driven.

“We have the most vibrant music industry and Nollywood is also there to promote our culture and heritage locally and internationally.

“Therefore, the stakeholders, the private sector must invest in tourism, if the tourism is well harnessed, it could be a big employer of labour in the country.

“Our corporation is now working in partnership with states, private sector and international bodies to help meet its mandates.

“When we found oil in Nigeria, we needed the framework to bring that oil out of the ground and that is why we have oil exploration today.

“Fortunately, that generated a lot of wealth that is why we had banking revolutions and that is why we have the new generation banks.

“That brought so much wealth that generated new wealth and that gave birth to another transmission that brought about the telecommunications,’’ he said.

In the same vein, the President, Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria, Mr Abiodun Odusanwo, emphasised the need to connect tourism and transportation to bridge the divide.

He further said that the essence of any economy was the benevolence of connectivity for a joint thought of using transportation and tourism for economic growth.

Odusanwuo said that there was need for all sectors of the economy to synergise, noting that without good roads and security, tourism would not thrive.

Apart from this, analysts note that insecurity and regular travel warnings by western countries have created global negative impression about Nigeria, resulting in poor perception among foreign tourists.

They advise the government to allay the fears of prospective tourists by developing a strong political will to address these concerns