Opinion
What Nigeria needs to fix in the tourism sector, according to an expert
Published
1 year agoon
By
Lanre
Nigeria is a land of boundless cultural treasures, beautiful destinations and natural wonders. Yet, beneath the surface, lie complexities and untapped potential in the world of tourism that many are unaware of.
We turn to Dr Adun Okupe, a seasoned professional in the world of tourism, to shed light on the nuances of Nigeria’s tourism landscape and what the country needs to fix in the tourism sector.
What are the challenges of the tourism sector? And how do you think they can be fixed?
I would say the biggest challenge is the lack of an approach and a deep understanding of what tourism means. Many times when we talk about tourism, we’re mainly focusing on international tourists. However, tourism goes beyond that; we can have domestic tourists and regional tourists, right? Anyone who spends over 24 hours in a place qualifies as a tourist. So, it’s about understanding what tourism truly means.
We need to recognise that we have a strong domestic market that we’re not effectively promoting. In countries like the United Kingdom, India, and America, domestic tourism contributes more revenue than international tourism. It’s also important to understand that tourism is primarily about the leisure economy. It involves creating a balance between work and play and enabling people to understand how they can engage in leisure activities. We shouldn’t limit tourism to special zones for tourists; people should be able to come and experience the local community. How can they engage with various communities? How can they explore and discover new places?
One of the root causes of the challenges is the lack of a comprehensive approach to tourism. While security is often mentioned as a challenge, taking security seriously can address other issues as well. Making tourism more accessible and ensuring safety and security are crucial. Often, governments have invested a lot in creating documentation, but implementation is the key. I would encourage us to identify one or two short-term focal areas, harmonize efforts, and achieve concrete results before taking on more initiatives. It all comes down to defining who should visit your destination and why. We must be clear about who we want to attract and the unique qualities of our destination that make it appealing.
What is the way forward for tourism in Nigeria?
I think it’s nice that we have a Ministry of Tourism. Private sector leaders have been working hard over the years to advocate for a dedicated Ministry of Tourism, and we’re very happy that it has now become a reality. I believe the way forward is to ensure that the Ministry builds upon its existing efforts and adopts a more strategic and holistic approach to tourism development across Nigeria. Instead of trying to cover all states simultaneously, we should focus on pilot or pioneer states, perhaps three, four, or five key states, and collaborate closely with them. We should simplify and harmonize policies and also provide clear guidance to potential investors. Investment is essential for the sector, but inconsistency and lack of clarity can deter investors.
What role can we, as Nigerians, play in promoting tourism in our country?
As Nigerians, we need to recalibrate our understanding of what constitutes a better life for all of us. For employers of labour, this means drilling down to understand what it means for the people who work with you. Are you creating spaces where they can work effectively while also having time for other activities? Are we fostering a sense of discovery? There are numerous business opportunities in the tourism industry, including various value chain opportunities. Often, we find ourselves all looking at the same thing. As Nigerians, I believe we should embrace more innovation. We need to recognise opportunities and harness them in meaningful ways.
There are abundant opportunities within the tourism sector for self-employment. The advantages include flexibility and the ability to engage in professional work that doesn’t adhere to a rigid nine-to-five schedule, especially as the world of work is evolving. It’s about how families spend time together, how they explore and discover.
When you cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity, it can truly help you understand better how other people live and realise that we are more similar than different. This perspective can lead to seeing things differently.
I believe that there’s a significant amount of work to be done in terms of tourism information and awareness creation. It’s an area where the private sector can collaborate with the public sector to drive awareness. It’s about raising awareness, conducting sensitisation programs, and setting examples. Let people take action.
Nigerians should explore their own environments, explore their own country right?
Yes, exploring your own country and then, of course, exploring others. I remember going to speak to a school some years ago, a Secondary School in Ikeja, and some of the students went on holidays abroad. But what they did is they went shopping. That’s it. They went to McDonald’s and went shopping. I would say that, that’s travelling, but you know, they hadn’t explored the museums, they hadn’t explored galleries, they hadn’t experienced cultural activities. So my session was about helping them see that they could do more. They could explore more within Nigeria and also when they travel abroad so that there’s an immersive experience, not just ‘oh, I’ve gone to London and I’ve gone to Oxford Street to buy clothes.’ It’s more about discovering what makes London London. What’s the history of London?
So we can also do the same here. What makes Ikorodu Ikorodu? What’s unique about it? What’s peculiar about it? And then you start to really understand more about how Lagos has emerged over time to become this bustling city that we all love to live in.
How can Nigerians looking to travel and explore go about navigating the security concerns in the country?
I would say that crime is not a Nigerian word. Crime happens around the world, and I’m not saying that it’s less important to address it in Lagos or Nigeria. But in cities like London and many other countries, there’s crime, yet these cities continue to attract tourists because there’s a narrative and a perception of how they see themselves and the place.
If we perceive that an environment and community are not safe, what are we doing about it? It comes back to how we participate in that. Of course, there’s a lot of work the government have to do in terms of the perception of security and taking security seriously. We also need to communicate that we’re making destinations safer and more secure. But the other thing I wanted to add is tourism actually also contributes to this. When a community understands that tourism is going to provide more sustainable livelihoods, they become your protectors because they don’t want anything to jeopardise the positive tourist experience in their locality.
And that’s where countries like Kenya and Tanzania have done very well. They have been able to really get the tourism spirit ingrained in the local population, so they take responsibility for the environment and the community. We need to do similar work because the type of security we need has to be community-based. When people understand that they can travel safely, their experience will be secure, and they will be protected because the community understands that this will lead to improved lives for everyone.
Another thing is that we have this rural-to-urban migration, which is really affecting our rural areas, making them isolated, deserted, and unsafe. However, with tourism development and attractions being revamped and redeveloped in these areas, it would also bring more activity, which would stem this rural-to-urban migration. This means that more people will stay within their local communities to invest, develop, and work, which would also lead to safer environments by decongesting the cities.
What is one area that is often overlooked by our tourism sector?
One thing that I think we need to take more interest in is how we can enhance the tourism experience in Nigeria for individuals with physical disabilities. I believe that when we start addressing this issue, it will also lead to greater inclusivity for the elderly and families with young children and infants. So, for me, I’m inclined to explore these aspects and contemplate how solving these challenges can benefit a wider range of people. Consequently, this will make destinations more accessible, including hiking paths and routes to waterfalls.
How can the government make travelling more accessible for people with disabilities in Nigeria and how can they move around a little bit more easily across the country?
I don’t think it’s solely the government’s responsibility to achieve this. I believe it’s more about us taking the initiative. We have the responsibility and the agency to drive the changes we desire. What should the government do? They could establish a policy for accessible tourism. I’m certain that when I was involved in the Lagos State master plan, we included it as part of the plan. However, the question now is how well are we implementing it. So, what can people with disabilities do? I think it’s primarily about collective engagement. We operate within a capitalist society, a capitalist system. There are financial resources available from various quarters in Nigeria that we haven’t tapped into. We need to recognise that we’re not just losing potential revenue; we’re also neglecting the importance of improving the lives of more Nigerians and others. Therefore, inclusivity is of utmost importance.
The final point I’d like to emphasise is that the tourism sector needs to consider how to welcome people with disabilities. I’ve been advocating for this for a long time, to see more individuals with disabilities being visibly integrated into our environment, society, workplaces, and daily activities. In fact, the United Kingdom had a Home Secretary who was blind, illustrating the incredible potential of individuals with disabilities. Tourism can serve as a catalyst for this change because it offers a flexible working environment, adaptable schedules, and a range of professional opportunities.
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Opinion
Stay Safe: SANParks urges tourists to follow wildlife safety rules
Published
3 weeks agoon
January 28, 2025By
Lanre
Following a fatal elephant encounter at Kruger National Park, SANParks urges visitors to prioritise safety and stay in vehicles during wildlife tours
South African National Parks (SANParks) has reiterated its safety guidelines following a tragic incident at Kruger National Park, where a tourist lost their life during an encounter with an elephant.
The incident occurred at Malelane Gate, highlighting the critical need for visitors to stay in their vehicles while observing wildlife.
According to reports, the fatality occurred when a tourist exited their vehicle and was charged by an elephant.
SANParks officials have expressed their condolences and emphasised the importance of adhering to safety rules designed to protect both visitors and wildlife.
This tragedy echoes a similar incident last July when a Spanish tourist at Pilanesberg National Park was fatally attacked after leaving their vehicle to photograph an elephant herd.
Such incidents underscore the risks of stepping outside vehicles in wildlife reserves.
SANParks has also called on witnesses to refrain from sharing graphic images or videos of the recent event on social media due to their sensitive nature. This appeal aims to respect the victim’s family and prevent further distress.
Authorities continue to stress that staying inside vehicles is paramount when navigating wildlife areas. “Safety protocols exist not only to protect visitors but also to preserve the natural behaviour of wildlife,” SANParks management stated.
Kruger National Park remains one of South Africa’s premier tourist destinations, attracting visitors from around the world.
However, tragedies such as this serve as stark reminders of the need for vigilance and respect for nature’s unpredictability.
By adhering to these guidelines, tourists can enjoy South Africa’s remarkable wildlife while ensuring their safety and preserving the sanctity of these natural environments.
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Opinion
Ondo monarch calls for tourism investment to boost Nigerian economy
Published
4 months agoon
October 28, 2024By
Lanre
Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin, Owa Ale of Ikareland, urges Nigerian leaders to prioritise tourism investment for economic growth and cultural preservation.
The Owa Ale of Ikareland, Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin, has called on Nigerian government leaders to strengthen the country’s tourism sector, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth.
Addressing attendees at the 2024 Olokemeji Tako-Tabo Festival in Ikare, Ondo State, he urged federal, state, and local governments to promote tourism as a sustainable source of employment and revenue generation.
Also read: Ondo Governor celebrates Ulefunta festival to drive economic growth
Speaking at the annual festival, which drew visitors from within Nigeria and abroad, the monarch underscored the economic and cultural benefits of tourism, describing festivals as vital for fostering local pride and identity.
“Our culture is our pride. Government support in tourism investment would not only generate revenue and employment but also enhance our economy,” he remarked.
The Olokemeji Tako-Tabo Hill, the festival’s focus, holds cultural and historical significance as a symbol of resilience and protection for the Ikare people, dating back to times of inter-tribal conflict.
The monarch lamented that Nigeria often overlooks its heritage in favour of Western influences, stressing that cultural preservation is essential for national identity.
Highlighting the growing interest in Yoruba cultural festivals, he praised the community’s dedication to revitalising local heritage, which he said was evident in the large turnout and enthusiasm at this year’s festival.
A tourist, Peter Ijigbo, also spoke passionately about the cultural importance of such festivals. “Despite my faith as a Christian, this is our heritage, and we cannot turn our backs on it.
I visited last year, and this festival has always been a spiritual and cultural sanctuary for us,” he said.
The Olokemeji Tako-Tabo Festival and similar events in Nigeria offer promising avenues for both economic growth and cultural preservation.
With strategic investments and support, Nigeria’s tourism sector could serve as a significant pillar of the national economy, providing jobs, fostering community engagement, and celebrating the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
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Opinion
Stakeholders urge sustainable tourism plans for Nigeria
Published
5 months agoon
September 30, 2024By
Lanre
At a World Tourism Day event in Abuja, stakeholders called for sustainable tourism plans to protect Nigeria’s natural and cultural resources, support local economies, and enhance visitor experiences. They stressed the importance of clean environments, such as Jabi Lake, to boost tourism and create economic opportunities, while minimising environmental harm.
Stakeholders in Nigeria have emphasised the need for sustainable tourism strategies to protect the country’s natural and cultural resources, boost local economies, and improve visitor experiences.
This call came during a press briefing held to commemorate World Tourism Day in Abuja, following a clean-up exercise at Jabi Lake.
Also read: Nigeria eyes N12.3 trillion tourism gains by 2032, 2.6 million jobs expected
The event was organised by the Eco Club, in collaboration with Jabi Boat Club, Jabi Mall, and Jabi Park.
World Tourism Day, observed annually on 27 September, highlights the significance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value.
The theme for 2024, *Tourism and Peace*, underscores the role of tourism in fostering global understanding and reconciliation.
Speaking at the event, Aisha Yusuf, Creative Director of Hayche Network and Senior Special Adviser on Sustainable and Accessible Tourism to the Executive Director of Tourism Volunteer Network, advocated for sustainable solutions to maintain tourism in Nigeria.
“We need to create awareness about sustainable tourism and take ownership of keeping our environment clean,” she stated, calling for both individual and government action to protect destinations like Jabi Lake.
Omoefe Tawiyah, Managing Director of Platinum X Media and organiser of *Abuja I Believe*, highlighted the economic benefits of a clean and well-maintained Jabi Lake, noting its potential to attract significant tourism investments.
He remarked, “If properly cleaned, Jabi Lake will become a key destination for tourists and boost the Federal Capital Territory’s economy.”
Phil Roberts, Executive Director of Tourism Volunteers Network, urged for turning Abuja into a tourism hub. He highlighted the need to enhance infrastructure tourism, which complements natural beauty by developing facilities that attract and sustain tourists.
“Abuja has numerous tourist sites, and Jabi Lake can become a major tourism destination with the right investment and infrastructure,” Roberts explained.
The speakers agreed that preserving the environment is essential for sustainable tourism growth, which can contribute to job creation, economic development, and peacebuilding.
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