The Federal Government has been urged to reposition tourism for it to add value to the economy of the country by branding and marketing tourism products.
A tourism expert and a member of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), , Mr Ahmed Mohammed, gave the advice in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja saying for any country to maximise its tourism potential, the sector must be given priority by the government and other stakeholders.
He added that tourism was one of the key ingredients that any country needed in order to experience a turnaround in its economy.
“Recognition of the role of tourism in the growth and development of the sector and to be funded so that its impact can be felt in the economy,” he said.
Mohammed said that as Nigeria seeks diversification of her economy, tourism is a key sector besides agriculture, because the number of people who contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the sector, in terms of employment, both skilled and unskilled, increases.
Mohammed said if Nigeria wants to benefit from the economic potentials that the sector is blessed with, branding and marketing of tourism products are very key.
“The importance of human capital and capacity in manning the country’s vast tourism resources cannot be over emphasised.
“Thus, training and skill acquisition of personnel that run the industry is very germane, ” he said.
Mohammed said that safety and security measures must be ensured at all tourist destinations, and along corridors to tourist sites and locations across Nigeria..
“Safety of tourists must be very paramount to ensure repeat visits as well as referral to other intending tourists, ” he said.
Mohammed said that the country had to improve on its data collection to have a reliable figure and dependable statistics of tourism activities in the country.
“This will help in the areas of providing job opportunities, enhancing cultural exchange, and promoting sustainable development,” pointing out that tourism is a multifaceted industry that cuts across diverse trades, services and allied economic activities, hence the need to engage stakeholders from government to local communities for the successful transformation of the sector in Nigeria.
NAN
