Mr Alhamid Sheriff, Director, Travel and Tourism Studies, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), has urged the Federal Government to preserve the country’s natural and cultural landscapes to enhance its socio_economic activities.

Mr. Sheriff said in Abuja that the measure would facilitate the development of tourism industry, which, according to him, generates about 11 per cent of the nation’s revenue and several thousands of jobs.

“The development of the tourism sector will create small and medium enterprises as well as employment in formal and informal sectors,” he added.

Sheriff said the tourism industry had the potential of fostering the development of critical infrastructure, transportation services, hospitality services, entertainment and recreation facilities.

He stressed the need for public awareness to facilitate a sustainable community_based tourism industry.
The director called for the establishment of a tourism committee composed of representatives of community interests, the police, tourism related businesses, community workers and local governments officials.

“The committee should determine the objectives of tourism development in the community and solicit proposals for tourism projects.

“Nigeria stands to benefit from its tourism industry on account of the country’s multi-ethnic nature and cultural diversity,” he added.