MExpert harps on development of tourism sector

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A Kaduna-based business mogul and stakeholder in the tourism sector, Dr Tobi Bernard Thomas has tasked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the tourism sector like any other sector of the economy.
While addressing journalists in Kaduna yesterday, the expert described tourism as a money spinner which encourages investment and drives local firms toward greater efficiency due to the increased competition.
Dr. Thomas who is the Kaduna State Coordinator of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) averred that other African countries like Kenya, and Uganda are already taking advantage of the sector to boost their economies.
He therefore urged the Tinubu-led administration to focus more on the tourism section, just as he said that the sector, if properly managed would increase the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.
Dr. Thomas however, said that with an improved tourism section, it can in turn be used to finance imports, adding that the sector is capable of alleviating unemployment.
“ There is no doubt that tourism is used to generate income and creates easily accessible training opportunities and jobs, as well as sales markets for services and local products.
“Tourism can lead to economic development through direct and indirect effects. Direct effects include revenue generation and foreign exchange in a tourist-dependent country. These effects also include the creation of business opportunities that thrive on money earned from tourism or local sourcing of supplies.
“Going by these benefits, as a stakeholder, I appeal to the governments at all levels to see reasons why the tourism sector should be improved upon,” Dr Thomas explained.
The stakeholder further added that tourism is a driver of poverty reduction, which can be used to promote inclusive growth, especially in the rural economy, as well as contributing to the formalization of the informal economy and enhancing productivity.
Dr. Thomas stressed that the hospitality and tourism industry is one of the largest industries in the world for socio-economic gains.