By Lucy Osuizigbo/Dapo Udom
Lagos – Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to provide a framework for the development of tourism industry as part of the nation’s recovery steps from economic recession.
Ambode, represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, spoke at the National Tourism Conference held at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
The one-day national conference was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to mark the 2016 World Tourism Day Celebration commemorated every Sept. 27.
Theme for 2016 is: “Tourism for All- promoting Universal Accessibility.”
He said this could be achieved by creating an enabling environment to attract foreign investors and open up the sector through attractive incentives, infrastructure and friendly policies.
According to him, the conference could not have come at a better time than now when the nation is faced with the stark reality of economic recession.
“Lagos State and other states in the country are blessed with natural tourism sites, which if well developed, can generate more wealth and create jobs for people.
“A recent study by the World Travel and Tourism Council projected that the travel and tourism industry in Nigeria, would contribute 1.6 per cent directly to the nation’s GDP by 2024.
“The study also projected that the industry will support employment to the tune of 1,194,000 in the next decade.
“Lagos State, as a coastal location, is blessed with an unbroken 283 kilometres of coastlines apart from other tourism potential for development.
“Our determination is to fully exploit the tourism potential of the state, which has been demonstrated with the creation of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, to showcase our rich cultural heritage to the world,’’ Ambode said.
In his remarks, Mr Ronald Chagoori Jr, the Vice-Chairman, Eko Atlantic City, said that the city was being designed to become a new gateway to Africa to drive tourism in Nigeria.
Chagoori said that the city, which occupies 10 million square metres of land, was 100 per cent privately funded and would accommodate 450, 000 residents and 300, 000 commuters.
NAN reports that the idea of commemorating the day is to foster awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values.
