Tourism Boast 20% Growth in Domestic Trips, Minister Urges Action to Boost Sector
The Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, tourism has said that Nigeria is gearing up to become a top global destination as it has contributed a whopping 3.65% ($17.3 billion) to Nigeria’s GDP in 2022.
According to her, this remarkable achievement, considering the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions Nigeria stands at the forefront of a tourism revolution, positioned to become a leading global destination.
Speaking at the Akwaaba 20th edition the minister expressed that in 2022 Tourism contributed 3.65% ($17.3 billion) to the nations GDP, with vast untapped potential.
“Nigeria’s tourism industry witnessed remarkable growth in 2023, with domestic trips surging 20% to 3 million, tapping into a vast pool of 200 million potential travelers. International visitor numbers also rose, reaching 1.2 million and generating significant foreign exchange.”
Tourism employs 1.91 million people, with ambitious plans to multiply this number in the coming years, contributing substantially to Nigeria’s economic development.
The sector has secured over $500 million in foreign direct investment in just two years, with projections to triple by 2028.
She noted, the federal ministry would play a huge role to unlock tourism potential to boost tourism through governance and stakeholder engagement implementing a thorough National Tourism Policy & Tourism Development MasterPlan and Digital Transformation and Online Presence leveraging technology to develop a comprehensive tourism database.
On youth as a force in tourism boost, The minister stated, youth are storytellers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs reshaping our tourism landscape propelling tourism growth with 70% of under 30 promoting tourism assets with also, 65% of domestic trips in 2023 and while driving 150% startup growth in the last three years.
“Social media engagement in travel content has surged 300% among Nigerian youth since 2021. Hence, 80% of our tourism workforce is under 40, bringing innovation and digital savvy to the sector.”
On partnership, the minister also assures of future partnership added the ministry have partnered with private sector players like Cavista Holdings as well as tech-savvy youth to drive this digital revolution for infrastructure rehabilitation, community-based tourism, skills development and educational curriculum with collaborations with the Ministry of Education to include History and Tourism in the curriculum from primary school level.
“Our goal is to train young Nigerians, women and indigenes in tourism, hospitality and entrepreneurship skills which every Nigerian should have a stake in the development of the industry and economic contribution to the country.”
The minister who commended the organiser of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko for the vision and dedication, urged for more efforts to drive tourism as Nigeria is open for businesses as there is need for more action and less talk if we must take the tourism industry to greater heights, the minister said.
