The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, declared that Nigeria remained a goldmine of untapped tourism and hospitality potentials ready for huge investment.
Ade-John disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos during a two-day hospitality business summit, which Vertiline Synergy Ltd., a consulting company, organized.
The summit tagged, “Investing in Africa: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in Hospitality Development,”.
The minister was represented by her Special Adviser on Media and Partnerships, Ms Elizabeth Ofili.
She said the increasing demand for cultural tourism had placed investors in a vantage position to leverage on real Nigerian experiences.
Such authentic experiences do not only help put the nation’s heritage in a preserved manner but equally turn around the nation’s history into economic prosperity.
Nigeria is at the forefront of Africa’s hospitality landscape, with a galaxy of investment opportunities.
“Beats of opportunity pulsate across our land, from rich cultural origins to diverse natural wonders and robust economy.
“We are not just open for business; we are primed for innovation and growth. Nigeria is a goldmine of untapped potential.
“It is time to turn our stories into unforgettable adventures because our heritage is a fruitful investment avenue,” she said.
She, however, noted that technological advancement was changing and redefining hospitality.
According to her, vast potentials of Technology investments existed, which had the capacity to change the Hospitality landscape and indeed service delivery and operational efficiency.
She added another growth potential was investing in Hospitality Education and Training Institutes.
She further noted that efforts toward realizing such opportunities would have to be strategic in terms of investment and collaboration by governments, the private sector, and local and international stakeholders.
Mrs Sally Ukpo, Founder, Suffy Travels Ltd., rolled out effective strategies to tackle the infrastructure, perception, and marketing challenges militating against the promotion of Nigerian destinations to tourists.
Among them are digital marketing, local and international collaboration, cultural immersion, infrastructure development, commitment to sustainability, diaspora and travel influencer partnerships, and so on.
She said exploring Nigeria through cultural immersion, touting of cultural heritage, festivals, music, dance, art and cuisine was also very important for the growth of the sector.
“We must commit ourselves to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage sites; promotion of local traditions and customs as a part of the tourist experience; and eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices,” she said.
She called on the government to invest in infrastructural development, especially to improve transport networks and make access to tourism destinations spread across the country easy, in order to spur economic growth.
The Founding Partner of Vertiline Synergy Limited, Ms Sharon Ashinze, said the summit was being organized to foster a collaborative atmosphere to share insights, discuss strategies, and innovate solutions.
She noted that the hospitality industry, being part of the economy, had its share of challenges that extended from the normal economic shocks to changed consumer behaviors and environmental sustainability.
“It is through forums like this one that we can collaborate on the issues and set a course for prosperity,” she said.