NAN-H-61
Recession
By Adekunle Williams/Solomon Asowata
Lagos, Nov.1, 2016 (NAN) A travel and tourism expert, Mr Ikechi Uko, has urged government at all levels to harness the potential of the tourism and aviation sectors to accelerate Nigeria’s exit from economic recession.
Uko, who is the promoter of the Akwaaba African Travel and Tour Market, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the exhibition holding in Lagos.
He said Nigeria was blessed with various tourist destinations, which when combined with aviation, would help to reduce the scarcity of foreign exchange that had been having an adverse effect on the economy.
“The Federal Government has been talking about diversifying the economy by reducing our dependence on oil.
“For me, I think aviation and tourism is the best way to go because they can contribute to our Gross Domestic Product if properly harnessed.
“For example, thousands of people both within and outside Nigeria have participated in the 2016 Akwaaba Travel Market and have been spending money on feeding, accommodation and transportation.
“This is just a one-man show, but if a government decides to do something like this, of course, it will be bigger and will attract more people and more countries,” Uko said.
According to him, countries like United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia have successfully integrated aviation and tourism and are recording growth in both sectors.
“I think this is the time government at all levels should begin to look inward and come up with creative ideas and policies that will maximise the tourism potentialities of their areas.
“On aviation, the Federal Government needs to do more for the sector, particularly on areas of infrastructure development and creating enabling environment for airlines to thrive,” he said.
NAN reports that Akwaaba African Travel and Tour Market 2016, which held from Oct. 30 to Nov.1, had participants and exhibitors from over 16 countries showcasing their travel and tourism potential. (NAN)
WAC/ASO/SOA
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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle