Tourism
MR Folorunsho Coker, Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), has called on Nigerians to tour the country and patronise made in Nigeria products to boost the nation’s economy.
Coker, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, said that domestic tourism has the potential to strengthen the nation’s economy and attract international tourists.
“We don’t need tourists to come and visit Nigeria. There are over 200 million Nigerians. Let Nigerians know more about Nigeria first. Let Nigerians consume enough of Nigerian products.
“If we make more positive noise about Nigeria, other people from outside Nigeria will come. If you and I don’t eat, drink Nigerian products and grow the nation’s currency, hospitality establishments such as restaurants, bars and hotels will not become strong enough.
“For the institution to task and regulate them to become strong enough, there is a need to have an economy that has the strength to attract domestic and international tourists.
“If we sit on this assertion that we want to attract international tourists, what do we offer, infrastructure, security?
“Let us get to know Nigeria, let us tour Nigeria to know more about our country. Let us spend our money in Nigeria and enjoy the products and services she offers.
“When we grow our economy, tourists will come,” he said.
Coker argued that if we could grow our music, film, fashion and pentecostal religions to the level that they are now, and tourists from around the world could be visiting Nigeria for the experience, we could also grow the tourism industry.
He said that tourism was about people travelling from their usual space to new places where they immerse themselves in the values and culture of the people in the communities they visit.
“So, we say to Nigerians, let us start from the fundamentals and build the foundation our tourism sector requires.
“Presently, NTDC is not well funded, therefore, we cannot afford the kind of tourism structure other countries deploy to promote their domestic markets.
“We cannot go to companies because companies will say they pay their tax,’’ he said.
Coker predicted that there would be a post-pandemic boom in Nigeria, adding that in it tourism was going to have a square central position..
“When you can’t take your money outside, you have to spend it in your house. Those who are providing products and services in your community will benefit because you are spending your money at home.
“Home is your most comfortable holiday and space. So, post-pandemic boom, yes, tourism is squarely in it I believe,’’ he said. (NAN)
– July 11, 2021 @ 12:27 GMT |
Tags: NTDC urges Nigerians Tour Nigeria to boost the economy
