Minister of Tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John has assured Nigerians that the Government will create and promote tourism products in the Diaspora and at home.
Ms Ade-John said this while speaking on the occasion of the commemoration of the World Tourism Day (WTD) with the theme; ‘Tourism and Green Investment in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Minister stated that the country’s tourism products were vast, plentiful and core to revenue generation for the country.
Ms Ade-John further stated that ‘’there is opportunity to reflect on ways to enhance the contribution of tourism in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.’’
According to the Minister, ‘‘taking tourism to the community level, showcasing the hidden gems of the villages in all regions of our picturesque and diverse country, is the essence of creating sustainable tourism in Nigeria.’’
Ms Ade- John identified the key points for growth and development of tourism in Nigeria as community Empowerment, collaboration and partnerships, sustainable Tourism Development, Investment in Renewable Energy and Digital transformation.
According to her, ”all of these have a combined a transformative power with ‘immense potential for our nation.’’
She reiterated that tourism products require adequate publicity development, maintenance and promotion.
The Minister said that there are numerous challenges that plagued the industry, just as she promised that ‘the government would gradually, speedily and successfully overcome these challenges with guidance, support and collaboration of all stakeholders.
Ms Ade-John was represented at the event by the Director-General National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Sani Kangiwa.
In his message on the commemoration of the WTD 2023, the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, said that “tourism is a pillar of our economies, as it plays a central role in our societies and in our individual lives.”
According to the UN Secretary, “tourism offers solutions to some of our biggest challenges including the climate emergency and the urgent need to shift to more sustainable economies.”
The UWTO Secretary General, in his address read by Permanent Secretary at the old Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr Ngozi Onwudiwe, further stated that the power of tourism is enormous.
He said that tourism would be made easier for investors of all kinds to support tourism projects with potential to make a difference.
In his address, the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Nkereuwem Onung expressed the hope that this year’s celebration would provide an opportunity for governments, businesses, and individuals to come together and discuss sustainable tourism strategies.
This is also as he congratulated the Tourism minister, Ms Ade-John for organising the event.
He assured her of the support of the private sector in the task of branding, re-structuring and re-organization of the tourism industry in Nigeria.
Onung said; “It will help highlight the importance of investing in sustainable tourism projects, such as eco-lodges, carbon-neutral hotels, and sustainable transportation.
“On this special day, let us celebrate the wonders of our world, appreciate the diversity of cultures, and recognize the importance of sustainable practices in tourism. Together, we can create a harmonious balance between exploration and preservation, leaving a legacy for future generations to enjoy.
“Let me use this opportunity to congratulate our Honourable Minister, Mrs. Lola Ade John for putting up this event and to equally assure you that the private sector tourism business owners are solidly behind you as you start the re-branding, re-structuring and re-organization of the tourism industry in Nigeria. “We do believe that you have all it takes to move this sector to an enviable height through public private partnership,” he added.
Onung was represented at the event by the First Deputy President, Alhaji Badaki Aliyu.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
