Expert: Tourism Devt in Nigeria Can Be Boosted Through Coordinated Activities

Okon Bassey in Uyo

A tourism expert has said that the country can tap into the tourism wealth within the shortest possible time if all factors necessary for the development of the sector are carefully coordinated.

The Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Hotels Management and Tourism Board, Mr. Ini Akpabio Akpabio, made the assertion while speaking with jòurnalists in Uyo at the weekend.

Akpabio listed factors that could influence tourism industry in the country to include governmental policies, review of existing laws to improve tourism operations and training of personnel on tourism management.

He admitted that the nation with its numerous tourism sites could generate over billion of Naira as annual revenue from the tourism sector alone, if the factors are strictly followed.

Making reference that Akwa Ibom State could move from oil wealth to tourism wealth, but to achieve that certain factors must be considered, “they include governmental policies, review of existing laws and training of personnel on tourism.

“If Akwa Ibom can host one million tourists that can spend N100,000 each in one year, it will translate to N8b per month and N100b in one year as revenue for the state government.”

He disclosed that the board has commenced discussions with the state university, Ikot Akpa-den, Mkpat-Enin Local Government Area, to incorporate hotels management and tourism related courses to prepare personnel for the business of tourism.

“We had two bills sent by the state House of Assembly now waiting for assent by the Governor Udom Emmanuel. Apart from the bills, there are other laws.”

“I have worked with Standard Organisation of Nigeria, which enable the federal government to regulate tourism industry. These regulations include certification and grading of hotels to meet global standard.”

He advised the state government to remain committed to the development of the tourism sector, noting that tourism, unlike oil, can touch the lives of everybody.

“The beauty of tourism is that it touches everybody in the society. It is not like oil money where few people can benefit, and can provide unparalleled employment.”

He observed that Qatar has gradually diversifies their economy through tourism as they just hosted the world cup tournament, which turned to sport tourism for the country, saying that Akwa Ibom and entire Nigeria could become a tourism hub.

“Qatar just hosted the world cup and that was sport tourism. Before now, they were concentrating on their oil and religious life but now they have graduated into tourism because they know that one day oil will finish.”

He charged the incoming administration in the state to consolidate on the gains recorded by Governor Emmanuel in tourism sector by harnessing its potentials for sustainable revenue.

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