From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
A stakeholder in the tourism and hospitality industry, Dr. Tobi Bernard Thomas, has explained why tourism should surpass oil and gas as Nigeria’s primary revenue earner.
Dr. Thomas expressed confidence in the ability of every community in Nigeria to accommodate, entertain, and share its unique stories with visitors, adding that Nigerians are accommodative in nature, hence the need for the government to take advantage of Nigeria’s nature and its people.
He stated this while applauding the announcement of a 4-week deadline for the review of a visa policy to enable tourists, business people, and creative professionals to visit Nigeria by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in a statement on Tuesday.
In the statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna, Dr. Thomas noted that tourism is the only source of income that has the capacity for connectivity and promoting trade across regions with the potential to enhance socio-cultural and economic activities.
The expert also called for synergy between the Ministry of Tourism, interior,financial institutions, international development agencies, and experts to establish a tourism development plan that will position the tourism sector as a consistent driver of growth and development.
On the synergy between the tourism and interior ministries, Dr. Thomas further explained that the collaboration will ease any form of difficulties being experienced on the issue of Visa issuance to potential tourists.
“By fostering collaboration among all stakeholders and leveraging effective tools and technologies, the Ministry of Tourism can enhance the promotion and management of the destination.
The exchange of ideas among stakeholders encouraged productivity. There are also indirect benefits. For example, when a hotel sponsors a theater, it strengthens its image as a company interested in the cultural development of the destination,” Dr. Thomas explained
The statement also commended the minister of tourism, Lola Ade-John for outlining plans to improve the visa experience for inbound tourists.
