Ibadan – The Chief Executive Officer, Jetover Travels and Tours Ltd., Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi, on Tuesday described insecurity as a great threat to Nigerian tourism industry.
Adeyemi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that insecurity could hinder tourists from visiting the country.
According to him, some tourists who showed interest to visit the country are reluctant to come because of Boko Haram insurgency.
“No one will like to come to a place that is not safe, so the government should make sure that there is good security in the country.
“When everywhere is secured, it will surely encourage outsiders/tourists to visit the country,’’ she said.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
Adeyemi, therefore, urged the Federal and state governments to invest more in tourism, saying it would boost the nation’s economy.
“Our tourist sites should be developed and maintained so that we will enjoy what we have rather than traveling abroad.
“If our beautiful sites are well developed it will attract visitors regularly and that will be a lot of money for the economy.
“Countries such as Dubai, UK, South Africa etc are making it through tourism.
“They don’t have more tour sites and are not better than us, but they invested in what they have, so ours should not be different,” she said.
Adeyemi also called on governments to encourage tour agencies by reducing their tax payment.
She, however, said her agency had in a bid to promote tourism in Oyo State sensitised stakeholders on the importance of tourism and sites in the country.
“A lot of people don’t know about most sites so the sensitisation will help to enlighten them and also, it will encourage inter-nation tourism, people and the nation at large will benefit.
“We have also taken people, organisations, and churches to places like Dubai, Canada, UK etc, and even to Elebuchi beach, Olumo Rock Abeokuta, waterfalls and other tourist sites.” (NAN)
