September 04, (THEWILL) – The founder of Fions Global Services (Travel Consultants), Frances Ibekwe, has urged the federal government to provide incentives that will advance tourism activities. She urged the government to provide an enabling environment that will help promote domestic tourism.
“I want the government to help promote domestic travel within Nigeria, by which Nigerians will start holidaying within the country. Tourism is life worldwide with endless discoveries beyond human imagination. They should help by providing incentives to the private sector to promote domestic travel.
“Also, the government should provide roads, running water and electricity. These are just a few examples of the necessary infrastructure that should be available in the tourist destinations. Security is crucial in addressing issues impeding the growth of domestic tourism”, Ibekwe said.
Speaking in Lagos recently, Ibekwe, a tour consultant said the tourism resources tucked away in the hinterlands of Nigeria, would boost the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) if properly harnessed. In order for Nigeria to become the hub of African tourism, Ibekwe urged the tour operators as well as other related tourism agencies, to look inward and market Nigeria to a global audience.
Nonetheless, she appealed to all tiers of government to establish a monitoring committee to supervise the visitors’ and tourists’ activities and guarantee the safety of the country’s aquarium and other fauna.
“The government should support local content and tourism throughout Nigeria in order to generate income, create jobs and strengthen the national currency among others.”
According to her, the government should support tour operators and other regulatory agencies with grants in their efforts to promote Nigeria and its regional local tourism offerings across the globe.
“We have Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State, Ikogosi cold and warm waterfall in Ekiti, Olumo Rock in Ogun State, Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State amongst others”, she noted.
She stated, “The stakeholders ought to collaborate with one another. For instance, working in partnership with the government will go a long way to expand domestic tourism, and government backing will be very great for travel businesses.”
She suggested that Nigeria’s travel agencies create synergies more on showcasing the country’s natural beauty to the world. “Nigeria is a nation endowed with abundant natural resources, a beautiful climate and a highly capable human population. We have excellent weather here. Nigeria offers attractive and amazing travel destinations. Let us promote our own,” she reiterated.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
