Tourists Returns to Nigeria: How to develop tourism By Anago Osho

Though year 2020 broke the camel's back as COVID-19 paralysed the industry and tourism and hospitality practitioners became dumbfounded. It was the worst crisis in the history of the industry. It was the year of paralysis and everything in-between seems bleak. The year 2021 was like the biblical John the Baptist also known as Yahya, that prepared the way for the coming of the messiah. It ushered in year 2022 which the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) themed, Rethinking Tourism. It gave the opportunity to review and redevelop tourism. It enabled new innovation and was favourable to tourism enterpreneurs.

The tenacity of tourism enterpreneurs in Nigeria and across the world should be commended. Every active practitioners deserves an award for the year 2022. The encouragement of the United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and it's Secreatary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili who has been Secreatary-General since January 2018 should also be applauded. One fact remain that COVID-19 pandemic exposed the importance of the tourism industry and how every aspect of it, including aviation are the nerves and muscle of both local and international economy. 

When air transportation, land and water transportation are grounded, and tourist attractions or museums and heritage sites are closed, and safaris no longer function, how would travel agents, tour Operators, hoteliers, tourist guides, and aviators survive? Survival becomes non and void and the only option would be to change profession and survive to safe life and family. Community and sustainable tourism should be advocated for and always promoted. It is the base for tourism development. It directly engages the people. It provides opportunities for the old and young. "Badagry Beyond the Chain Project", facilitated by Ambassador Anago Osho, is one of such ventures that is giving the experience and un-shielding the economic value and opportunities in the communities.

A country that has a vision for tourism must have it's own yearly theme. India began to celebrate National Tourism Day since 1948 when the government established the Ministry of Tourism and Communication to look after the affairs and development of the tourism sector. This is the begining of how to develop tourism. The National theme sets a standard for the country to be achieved annually. India should be respected for recognizing the importance of tourism in nation building. The government of India has recognized that Indian economy has to be strengthened through tourism. Every year, the topic of the National Tourism Day is announced by the Government. The theme of National Tourism Day 2022 in India was 'Rural and Community Centric Tourism'. The theme for 2023 is not revealed yet. Once the topic is announced both government and private sector works together to actualize the purpose. 

This theme is different from United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) theme. It is of opinion that Nigeria should also have an annual National theme that will be different from the UNWTO World Tourism Day theme. One of the advantage is that it create awareness on the importance of tourism. It also showcases different traditions and culture that is available to tourists. Nigeria should also have a ministry that will look after the affairs and development of the tourism sector.

The citizens of the country benefits when government agencies opens their doors to private tourism enterprises without fear of duplication and acceptance. Year 2023 is envisaged to be prosperous for Tourism and Hospitality businesses in Nigeria and the world but the bedrock of the progress will be peace without fear of attack. Looking at hope and realism brings the conflict between Russia and Ukraine foreward as prices of energy has increased across the world. This had invariably affected all sectors of transportation and economy as prices of products are on the rise.

UNWTO's theme for 2023 is "Tourism and Green Investments”. And again the importance of sustainable tourism is emphasized as Sustainable investments are at the centre of tourism's contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 

Ambassador Anago-Osho

Founder and CEO,

Global Anago Adventures