The Chief Executive Officer, Etravels and Tour, Mr Chinonso Uche has called for the strategic positioning of tourism as a major driver of trade, cultural integration and economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa.
Uche, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.
According to him, when properly structured, tourism becomes a bridge between nations, driving not just visitor numbers but meaningful economic and diplomatic outcomes.
He said tourism should no longer be viewed merely as leisure activity, but as a critical platform for economic diplomacy and policy alignment among nations.
‘Positioning tourism in this way means recognising it as more than leisure. It is a strategic platform for economic diplomacy, cultural integration and policy alignment’, he said.
According to him, tourism creates channels for trade by connecting markets, promotes cultural understanding through shared experiences and influences policies through international collaboration.
Speaking on Nigeria’s economic prospect, Uche noted that the sector had immense potential to contribute significantly to national growth, if properly harnessed.
He explained that tourism generated revenue through hospitality, transportation, entertainment and local businesses, while also creating jobs across various value chains.
‘It also stimulates foreign exchange inflow, supports small and medium enterprises and encourages infrastructure development.
‘With the right investment and policy support, tourism can help diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil’, the hospitality, travel and tourism consultant said.
On cultural exchange, the consultant said tourism played a vital role in promoting mutual understanding among people from diverse backgrounds.
He noted that it allowed visitors to experience traditions, cuisine, festivals and heritage firsthand, thereby, breaking stereotypes and fostering respect.
‘In Nigeria, our rich cultural diversity across festivals, arts and heritage sites, positions us strongly as a cultural tourism destination’, he said.
Uche also highlighted tourism’s influence on government policies and international cooperation, noting that bilateral agreements and partnerships often emerged through tourism engagements.
He said such collaborations could lead to improved visa processes, joint tourism promotions and knowledge exchange between countries.
‘Tourism also encourages governments to invest in infrastructure, security and regulatory frameworks to remain competitive globally’, he said.
Uche, however, identified several challenges hindering the growth of the sector in Nigeria, to include poor infrastructure, visa bottlenecks, security concerns and inconsistent government policies.
He also cited low investment in tourism development and marketing as major setbacks.
‘These challenges have slowed down Nigeria’s ability to fully harness its tourism potentials, despite its vast resources’, he said.
To address these issues, Uche called for improved infrastructure, especially in transport and hospitality, as well as simplified visa processes, to enhance travel accessibility.
He also emphasised the need for stronger public-private partnerships, increased investment in destination branding and global marketing and policies that supported tourism investment and sustainability.
‘Encouraging capacity building and professional training in the sector is also very important’, he said.
Uche then stressed that deliberate efforts must be made to position tourism as a national priority by integrating it into economic planning and international relations strategies.
