Nigeria should join hands to unlock tourism potential
The Nigerian Government and players in the tourism sector have been challenged to cooperate in order to unlock the tourism potential in the country.
The country was also charged to emulate Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Sao Tome and Principle, which earn $60 billion, $12 billion and $66 million, respectively from tourism alone annually.
Mr. Akanimo Udofia, tourist enthusiast in his keynote address at the just concluded fifth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), held in Akwa Ibom State, said that Nigeria could not develop without the diversification of the economy.
According to udofia, the unlocking of the prosperity in the tourism sector would further draw visitors and investors into the country, while more jobs would also be created for Nigerians, especially the teeming youths.
In his statistics, he explained that a country like Thailand, is ranked the fourth earner for tourism in the world with $60 billion yearly from tourism alone, adding that Saudi Arabia despite being rated as the second largest petroleum reserves country in the globe, at least 12 million visitors still visit Saudi Arabia yearly, earning about $12 billion in the process from tourism.
Besides, he stated that Sao Tome and Principe with a total population of 200,000, earns $66 million from tourism annually, representing about 17 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He added that The Gambia also makes about $116 million yearly from tourism, which accounts for 20 per cent of its GDP.
“The constant growth in the globalisation of health has led to the rise of medical tourism. While most people prefer to treat their conditions closer to home, certain parameters might often become obstacles while seeking medical treatment.
In some cases, certain specialists or state-of-the-art treatments are not available at a convenient location. Sometimes, the patient may be subject to a long waiting list. We must leverage our medical tourism potential as a nation.
“Tourism is an area I am deeply passionate about because it represents one of the world’s leading service sectors that generates sustainable revenue, as well as also being a major wealth and job creator.
“It enhances sustainable economic growth in any society owing to the considerable macroeconomic benefits associated with a successful tourism industry.”
