The Nigerian Ministry of Tourism has initiated measures aimed at rejuvenating the tourism sector to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Mrs. Lola Ade-John, the tourism minister, revealed that the ministry’s priority plans include leveraging virtual reality gadgets and documentaries to showcase the potential of Nigeria’s tourism industry.
During a courtesy visit by members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) in Abuja, Mrs. Ade-John highlighted the use of virtual reality, emphasizing its ability to provide immersive experiences for prospective tourists. She stated, “the gadgets allow intending tourists to visualize and experience tourism, attracting Nigerian youths in the diaspora to visit home.”
Mrs. Ade-John emphasized the importance of marketing and promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential, indicating progress in implementing plans to utilize documentaries and virtual reality gadgets to attract visitors and boost domestic tourism.
Furthermore, the minister announced the ministry’s collaboration with state governments to develop their rich tourism destinations and potentials.
“We are currently working on producing documentaries on tourism assets and experiences peculiar to each state. These documentaries would also spur the interest of intending tourists to visit those sites physically,” she explained. Additionally, plans are underway to establish community tourism resource centers in every city in Nigeria, providing tourists with access to information about their desired destinations.
The minister highlighted that the ministry aims to enhance Nigeria’s online presence by ensuring that typing “Nigeria” on the internet directs individuals to the ministry’s website, fully equipped with information about the nation’s tourism endowments.
Victor Nze, President of ANJET, stressed the importance of reopening international market channels to stimulate economic growth and urged the minister to present quarterly scorecards to track industry achievements and encourage further growth.
The creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023, with the appointment of Mrs. Lola Ade-John, underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing and developing the tourism sector.
Quest: Cris-Edesiri Odjomah