From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
A critical stakeholder in the tourism and hospitality industry, Dr. Tobi Bernard Thomas, has explained why tourism should surpass oil and gas as Nigeria’s primary revenue generation.
Dr. Thomas expressed confidence in the ability of every community in Nigeria to accommodate, entertain, and share its unique stories with visitors, adding that Nigerians are accommodative in nature, hence the need for government to take advantage of Nigeria’s nature and its people.
The expert stated this while applauding the announcement of a 4-week deadline for the review of a visa policy to enable tourists, business people, and creative professionals visit to Nigeria by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in a statement on Tuesday.
In the statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna, Dr. Thomas noted that tourism is the only source of income that has the capacity for connectivity and promoting trade across regions with the potential to enhance socio-cultural and economic activities.
The expert also called for synergy between the Ministry of Tourism, interior, financial institutions, international development agencies, and experts to establish a tourism developmental plan that will position the tourism sector as a consistent driver of growth and development.
