Strengthen tourism sector, FG urged

Lagos – Some tourism experts have urged the Federal Government to strengthen the sector to increase its contribution to the economy.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday, the experts applauded some of the milestones recorded by the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Mr Olugbenga Adebayo, the Managing Director, Gadeshire Travel and Tours Ltd., Abuja, noted that the Federal Ministry Culture and Tourism had been playing its role effectively. “The sector is blessed enough to take over the economy of the country from other sectors,” Adebayo said.

Similarly, Mrs Wanda Ibru, the Managing Director, Pathways Tourism Development Initiative, Port Harcourt, also noted that the sector was blessed with resources and the potential to sustain the economy. “The ministry should put in place structures that will position the sector to take over from other sectors because we have the resources, the land and the potential for the country to rely on.

“With all these potential and resources, there should be nothing stopping the government from developing the tourism sector,” she said. Mr Segun Adeshina, the Director, Lagos School of Travels and Tourism, said that it was possible for tourism to be the nation’s revenue base. “Before this could be achieved, a lot still needs to be done to reposition the sector.

“The government should assist to create a good atmosphere for tour operators, hoteliers, airlines and travel agencies to survive,’’ Adesina said. He expressed optimism that the sector would had the capacity to increase the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (NAN)