.. Set to host stakeholders in Calabar on way forward for tourism
The federal government has taken the ranking of tourism among the six priority sectors of the economy including the review of the National tourism policy 1990.
This became necessary in order to boost tourism and give it the required impetus in contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.
This was disclosed by the minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed at the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators, NATOP Annual General Meeting in Calabar with the theme, “Nigeria Tourism: The missing link in a diversified economy.
The minister listed others key areas as, the provision of attractive incentives for prospective investors, encouraging Public Private partnership and launching of the Nigerian Tourism Development Master Plan.
He disclosed that in the days ahead, it shall be bringing all stakeholders together in Calabar to chart a definite path forward.
Alhaji Lai Muhhamed explained that apart from the enomous opportunities in the Nigeria Tourism sector, the country’s investment climate is very favourable.
He emphasised that tourism has the potential of supporting the economic activities in the receiving countries as it is a diverse industry that builds upon a wide resources base, with such diversity increasing the scope for wider participation and benefits.
He outline other areas tourism can make a differnce, ” like in the provision of facilities such as Transport, communications, water supply, roads, education, health care services, public security and electricity, creating the opportunities for individuals and micro enterprises to sell additional products such as handicrafts, music, dance, folklores and providing both material benefit and cultural pride to the people through greater awareness of their cultural heritage and natural endowments and their economic values.”
