Amachree Urges Nigerians to Embrace Tourism, Leisure

Justina Uzo

A leading tourism practitioner and  former President of Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Chief Mike Amachree has advised leisure and adventure seekers to visit interesting places scattered across the country. 

Amachree, who is regarded as the father of Nigeria tourism, called on citizens to participate actively in tourism and leisure activities, saying that by doing so “they will live long, improve on their health and be happy.”

Amachree, who is also Managing Director of Brooklyn  Group of Hotels and Brooklyn Tourist Centres, gave the advice while speaking with  pressmen in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, recently. 

He said tourism goes beyond indoor leisure activities and also involves lots of outdoor activities that are beneficial to health.

Amachree wants citizens to do away with the misconception that  tourism is an elitist activity enjoyed by the rich only.   “Nigerians should take relaxation and going on holiday and vacations very seriously,” he said. According to him, Many researches have shown that when you engage in tourism and leisure activities, such as mountain climbing,  dancing, singing, safari, boat regatta, boat cruise, domestic fishing, horse riding, water sports and so on, it promotes wellness and prolongs people’s lives.

Those who engage in such outdoor tourism activities enjoy both mental and physical wellness. In today’s world, tourism activities like going on vacation are no longer just leisure, it has become a necessity to maintain a balanced and healthy life.” 

He said Nigeria is blessed with so many tourist attractions that people could visit to improve and maintain their health, live long and also enjoy their vacations.

“In Jos, Plateau State, one of the favourite tourism activities there is rock and mountain climbing. The serenity of the Obudu Mountain area is also there for our enjoyment. Tourists could also explore the coastline of Lagos, Port Harcourt and other riverine communities to enjoy the natural, healthy air and serenity. We need to learn to enjoy all these for our health and well being,” he noted. “Apart from me there are other people who are actively engaged in tourism, there are other tourism promoters like the Managing Director of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Ikegun, Lagos State, Dr. Wanle Akinboboye, and Chief Tarzan Balogun of Tarzan Jetty. They could also visit places such as  Whispering Palms Resort, Iworo,  Badagry, Lagos; Emir’s Palace, Kano; Argungu Fishing Festival ground, Kebbi State; Brooklyn Tourist Centre, Rumuosi, Port Harcourt; Oguta Lake Resort, Imo State, and Ogbunike Cave, Anambra State.” 

The Port Harcourt-based tourism operator has for many years been a part of the public and private efforts to develop, promote and market Nigeria as a preferred tourism destination in the West African sub-region.