The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has called on relevant stakeholders to invest in tourism to enhance jobs creation and boost the nation’s economy.
The Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Alhaji Sani Kangiwa, gave the advice in Abuja on Thursday at the unveiling of a “MICE” aimed at creating awareness and drive the potential in the tourism industry.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, the Tourism Parliament has “Tourism as a catalyst for job creation and economic diversification: ‘A Call to Action for Nigerian Governors” as its theme.
Kangiwa, who was represented by Mr Edwin Enenta, the Director of Tourism Studies at the institute, said the nation’s tourism sector has the capacity to create jobs for the teeming population, as well as diversified the country’s economy.
According to him, tourism is not just about visiting new places, but a dynamic industry that brings people together, by showcasing the country rich culture and promoting the country unique heritage.
“By investing in tourism, we can create new job opportunities for our communities, supporting local artisans, hospitality workers, tour guides and many more.
“Each visitor, who comes to experience our attractions, contributes to local economists, strengthening businesses and creating a ripple effect of growth,” Kangiwa said.
The Convener of the parliament, Amb. Ayo Omotoso, described the tourism parliament as a ‘No-Hold-Barred’ quarterly dynamic event, dedicated to address pressing issues in tourism development and the travel trade industry.
Omotoso, who is also the Chief Executive Officer, Travelogue Communications, said that tourism started with local content which had many ideas that could generate huge revenue for the country.
“The richness and diversity of Nigeria’s culture have always been cited as a strong reason why tourism should be a major revenue earner for the country.
“From East to West, North to South, Nigeria is naturally endowed with rich tourist destination waiting to be fully explored and exploited.
“Across the world, tourism has evolved to become one of the fastest growing industries. This growth has been driven by advanced technology in travel and an increased holiday culture.
“With an endowed geographical landscape that comprises coastal beaches, mountains, historical monuments, wildlife, UNESCO-approved heritage centres, and diverse culture, Nigeria should be able to create a niche in global tourism,” he said.
Mr Mohamadou-Musa Njie, Gambia High Commissioner to Nigeria called on Nigerian government to put policies in place to drive the growth and development in the tourism sector.
He said that the Gambia government had been able to put policies in place to drive the development of the tourism sector, adding that tourism has the potential to become one of the valuable assets of the country.
Njie, who appreciated the media, said they added value to the tourism industry through the content that they shared .
The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, said the ministry would continue to support where all the valuable asset promoting tourism were located.
Ade-John, who was represented by her Special Adviser, Mr Kelvin Ikegwuonu, said that the ministry would ensure that tourism became an household name in Nigeria.
By Aderogba George/Priscilla Osaje, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA