by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A stakeholder in the Nigeria hospitality and tourism sector, Dr. Tobi Bernard Thomas, has described tourism industry as a “money-spinner,” if given desired attention, saying that the sector can serve as an alternative to oil and gas.
The expert also asserted that, government and other stakeholders within the hospitality and tourism must harness the potential of the sector as a means of revenue generation for the nation.
Dr. Thomas, who is Kaduna State Coordinator of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), disclosed this yesterday in Kaduna during a press conference, titled: ‘Tourism, Money Spinner.’
He emphasized that, tourism is a lucrative business, adding that GDP has an indirect positive co-movement with tourism.
“Tourism revenues boost government revenues, household income, and increase employment opportunities – therefore, leading to economic growth and prosperity for a country,” he stated.
Additionally, he also explained that, “Available data has shown that, in 2022, the contribution of travel and tourism to the global GDP amounted to 7.7 trillion U.S dollars.
“This figure was forecast to reach an estimated 9.5 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023, remaining five percent below pre-pandemic levels,” FTAN Coordinator explained.
He stressed that, “In developed countries of the world and some African countries, tourism is a big business and creates employment opportunities for many people.
He noted that, aside from direct jobs at the sites, those in the hospitality business such as hotels and restaurants also make a lot of money through the influx of tourists.
Dr. Thomas, therefore, urged the government to show commitment and partner the private sector in building the sector, in the interest of the nation’s economy.
While quoting the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the expert explained that, “Hospitality and tourism industry is one of the largest industries in the world for socio-economic gains.
“It is an important component, which caters for tourists in any given destination; as such, it is a valuable asset of the travel and tourism industry today, and that is the simple truth.”