Expert says tourism can alleviate poverty
NAN-H-36
Poverty
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, Oct. 18, 2016 (NAN) Mr Manfred Nzekwe, the Senior Special Assistant on Tourism to Enugu State governor, says sustainable tourism development is a major tool for poverty alleviation.
Nzekwe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that poverty was the most challenging problem facing the country.
He said that tourism could be harnessed as a significant force for alleviation of poverty and environmental protection if all stakeholders should give adequate attention to it.
“Tourism development is one of the few options we have for diversifying and stabilising the economy.
“If we properly develop our tourism sector, it will create millions of jobs and development opportunities for very poor host communities.
“We should therefore develop entrepreneurial capacities and managerial skills, especially in small and medium size enterprises, in order to improve the competitiveness of tourism products and services.”
He advised stakeholders to deliberately identify tourism strategies that could help in tackling the scourge of poverty and contribute to the international target of having the number of people in extreme poverty.
“There should be a partnership between stakeholders and host communities, and planning that will effectively empower and maintain the environmental, social and cultural integrity of host communities.
“A market for the labour and products of the poor should be created, as well as training and technical support to assist in raising the quality of locally produced goods and services.
“Most importantly, we must develop infrastructures such as roads, bridges, electricity, water supply and communication facilities,” he said. (NAN)
EPA/DE/MST
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Muhammad Suleiman Tola