The Chief Executive Officer of Kleber Group, Julia Kleber, has described Nigeria as a country with vast but largely untapped tourism opportunities, noting that the nation possesses all the essential elements needed to build a thriving tourism sector.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, she urged for strategic investment, effective storytelling, and capacity building to position the country as a competitive destination on the global tourism map.
She noted that the country remains underrepresented internationally, with many of its attractions largely invisible to global travelers.
“Since arriving in Nigeria, I have been struck by the beauty of this country and the warmth of its people. Nigeria has extraordinary tourism opportunities, but these assets are still not fully visible on the global stage,” Kleber said.
She emphasised that tourism is a powerful engine for job creation and economic growth, with strong linkages to aviation, agriculture, hospitality, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
According to Kleber, sustainable tourism development in Nigeria requires a clear strategy focused on product development, investor engagement, infrastructure, and skills building for local communities and hospitality workers.
Drawing from Kleber Group’s experience in South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Angola, she stressed that deliberate planning and public-private collaboration can unlock significant investment, citing Angola’s success in attracting over $450 million for tourism infrastructure.
Ambassador Phil Roberts, who also spoke at the briefing, stressed the role of the media in reshaping Nigeria’s tourism image internationally.
He noted that negative narratives often overshadow the country’s tourism potential and announced plans for a Tourism Investment Summit across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Tourism, Nigerian National Parks Service, and private investors, are reportedly engaged in efforts to develop the sector, reflecting Nigeria’s regional diversity and immense tourism potential.
Kleber and her team expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future in tourism, emphasising that with collaboration, implementation, and commitment, the country can attract global travelers and investors while generating jobs and driving sustainable economic growth.