Tourism stakeholders have called for improved infrastructure, destination development and enabling state policies to accelerate the sector’s growth for enhanced contribution to national economy.
They made the call at the recently concluded 9th Edition of the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) organised by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) in Abuja.
The event also featured the 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of FTAN.
The stakeholders spoke in a panel session with the theme, “Harnessing Tourism for Economic Growth: State Policies, Infrastructure, and Destination Development.”
The session was moderated by Amb. Ikechi Uko, convener, Akwaaba Africa Travel Market.
According to the stakeholders, as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economic mainstay from oil, the tourism sector is a veritable alternative.
They said that adequate state policies, strong infrastructure, and deliberate destination development were strong pillars needed for the sector to create jobs, attract private investment and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s GDP.
Salman Muzaffar, Hospitality executive, emphasised how tourism development depended on quality infrastructure, accessibility, security and sustained maintenance of tourism facilities.
Muzaffar advocated incentives for tourism investors, easier land acquisition and the establishment of a dedicated tourist police to improve investors’ confidence and visitors’ safety.
Mrs Ann Nenadi, Director of Tourism, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said the ongoing road construction in the territory was improving access to tourism destinations across the FCT area councils.
She said the administration was promoting Abuja as a leading hiking destination through improved infrastructure, tour guide capacity development and the promotion of its cultural and culinary heritage.
Mrs Amaka Echetabu, Director of Airline Services, Ibom Air, said positive visitor experiences remained central to sustainable tourism development.
Awwalu Yau, Acting Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, noted that the state was investing in airport modernisation, aviation and hospitality infrastructure to strengthen tourism.
Earlier in his paper presentation, Uko urged state governments to prioritise infrastructure, aviation and tourism assets to stimulate investment and economic growth.
Citing Enugu State’s development model, he said investments in airports, airlines, conference facilities and hospitality infrastructure could transform destinations, attract visitors and expand internally generated revenue.
“If we could get all our children in the diaspora to come home with their friends in December, this economy does not need grants.
“We only need places for them to visit and spend their money,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Aliyu Badaki, President of FTAN said the annual NTIFE was growing from strength to strength and has attracted investors, operators and delegates from about 15 countries.
Badaki added that FTAN would engage governments, lawmakers and other critical stakeholders to implement recommendations from the forum and advance tourism development across the country. (NAN)
