We can transform our tourism sector into major economic hub – Expert
An expert in Tourism Diplomacy, Dahiru Bala says Nigeria can transform its tourism sector into a major economic driver, creating millions of job opportunities and generating revenue.
Bala also said that tourism can help showcase the nation’s rich cultural and natural heritage to the world when fully developed.
Bala who is the Chairman, Cultural and Diplomacy Council spoke on the sidelines of the take-off of a continental tour to Ethiopia by the Director, International Society of Diplomats Tourism Directorate on Thursday in Abuja.
He noted that Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine via its tourism sector, brimming with untapped potentials that offer a wealth of opportunities for economic diversification and growth.
“From hotels to restaurants, the benefits of a thriving tourism industry cut across various sectors, as the sector expands, construction, transportation, and even casual labour markets experience a positive boost,’’ he said.
According to him, “Once an entire economy is built on the process of tourism, even casual labourers and tour guides provide employment opportunities.
This, he said highlights the widespread economic impacts of a flourishing tourism sector.
He also lamented Nigeria’s currently underutilising its vast array of tourist sites due to lack of adequate infrastructure and security.
He said Nigeria is not investing enough in harnessing the tourism sectors.
“Tourists prioritise safety and accessibility and without these fundamental elements, our potential remains untapped,’’ he said.
He pointed out the need to prioritise first-class infrastructure with well-maintained roads, state-of-the-art technology, integrating advanced tech to enhance the tourist experience and modern amenities to ensure ease of access.
He called on security agencies to ensure adequate security for the safety of tourists.
“Global promotion, actively promoting Nigeria’s tourism potentials at international events and lastly, media investment, showcasing our sites through various media channels,’’ he said.
“Consider the untapped potentials of the Yusufari desert in Yobe, which could rival the desert experiences of Dubai.’’
He said by implementing these strategies, Nigeria can unbundle the strength in her potentials and unlock the boundless opportunities that await us as a nation.
The Project Director, Amb. Phil Roberts noted that the title of the project “Tourism Across Africa: Uniting Cultures, Connecting Destinations is borne out of the trans-African story aimed at exploring and promoting Africa’s untapped tourism potentials.
He explained that the 30-day journey from Abuja to Ethiopia is entirely by road and will be showcasing Africa’s interconnectivity and rich cultural corridor, with stop overs in local communities to spotlight hidden destinations and engage with tourism stakeholders.
The project will position Africa as a unified travel destination for both Africans and the global community, it’s not just going to cover distance and it will build bridges across cultures, promoting Africa’s diverse beauty while inspiring a new narrative of African-led tourism development.
“Currently in Congo, heading towards Uganda, with strong interest from local media, hospitality businesses, and youth groups, i have been widely received as “Tourism Peace Envoy” with calls for collaboration across borders.
“We are creating a documented travel route from West to East Africa, demonstrating that Intra-African tourism beyond mainstream destinations is possible, but more importantly, that peaceful cross-border relations and partnerships are possible without walls,” he said.
