- Call for improved power supply, security and road infrastructure
- Push for revival of Black History Month and annual slave route programme
- Advocacy for stronger government-private sector collaboration in tourism
Mrs. Margret Fabiyi, Chief Executive Officer of Webisco Tourism Entrepreneur and Agro-Tourism, has urged the Federal Government to address challenges of unstable power supply, insecurity and poor road infrastructure to enable the tourism sector thrive in Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Fabiyi made the call on Sunday while speaking with journalists in Lagos, describing basic infrastructure as the backbone of a viable tourism industry.
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“A stable power supply, improved security and well-maintained road networks are critical to the growth and sustainability of tourism across the country,” she said.
According to her, proper development and maintenance of tourism infrastructure and heritage sites would enable the sector generate substantial revenue for government and create massive employment opportunities.
She called on the Federal Government to revive the celebration of Black History Month and organise familiarisation trips (fam trips) across Nigeria’s tourism heritage sites to attract investors.
“The government should officially designate a date for Black History Month and establish an annual slave route programme to commemorate the event,” Fabiyi stated.
She noted that regular tourism-related activities would attract foreign investors and increase international interest in Nigeria’s tourism offerings.
Fabiyi also appealed to the Federal, State and Local Governments to collaborate with private investors and relevant stakeholders to develop and promote the tourism industry.
She urged media practitioners to intensify the promotion of domestic tourism to Nigerians and foreigners, stressing that the media plays a key role in driving tourism growth.
The tourism expert further called on the Federal Government to reposition and adequately promote the Abuja Carnival to attract both local and international tourists, generate revenue and create employment opportunities.
PShe also recommended the production of tourism pamphlets and souvenirs for sale to local and international visitors.
Fabiyi added that all states should submit their annual tourism events to the Federal Government for proper coordination and global promotion to foreign tourists and investors.
“If these basic amenities are put in place, the tourism sector will generate billions for the Nigerian economy and become one of the highest employers of labour,” she said.
