Lagos: Mr. Chinonso Uche, Chief Executive Officer of Etravels and Tour, has urged the strategic positioning of tourism as a pivotal driver of trade, cultural integration, and economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa. Uche shared these insights during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Uche emphasized that when organized effectively, tourism serves as a bridge between nations, fostering not only increased visitor numbers but also meaningful economic and diplomatic outcomes. He asserted that tourism should be considered more than just a leisure activity, but as a critical platform for economic diplomacy and policy alignment among countries.
Uche explained that tourism facilitates trade by linking markets, promotes cultural understanding through shared experiences, and influences policies through international collaboration. He highlighted the sector’s considerable potential to significantly contribute to national growth if properly harnessed.
Uche detailed how tourism generates revenue through hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and local businesses while creating jobs across various value chains. He noted the sector’s role in stimulating foreign exchange inflow, supporting small and medium enterprises, and encouraging infrastructure development. With appropriate investment and policy support, Uche believes tourism can diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil.
Discussing cultural exchange, Uche stated that tourism plays a crucial role in promoting mutual understanding among people from different backgrounds. He pointed out that it allows visitors to experience traditions, cuisine, festivals, and heritage firsthand, which helps break stereotypes and foster respect. He noted Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity in festivals, arts, and heritage sites, positioning the country as a strong cultural tourism destination.
Uche also highlighted tourism’s influence on government policies and international cooperation, noting that bilateral agreements and partnerships often result from tourism engagements. Such collaborations can lead to improved visa processes, joint tourism promotions, and knowledge exchange between countries. He added that tourism encourages governments to invest in infrastructure, security, and regulatory frameworks to remain competitive globally.
Despite these prospects, Uche identified several challenges hindering the sector’s growth in Nigeria, including poor infrastructure, visa bottlenecks, security concerns, and inconsistent government policies. He also cited low investment in tourism development and marketing as significant setbacks, noting that these issues have impeded Nigeria’s ability to fully harness its tourism potentials.
Uche called for improvements in infrastructure, particularly in transport and hospitality, as well as simplified visa processes to enhance travel accessibility. He emphasized the importance of stronger public-private partnerships, increased investment in destination branding and global marketing, and policies supporting tourism investment and sustainability. Encouraging capacity building and professional training in the sector is also crucial, according to Uche.
He concluded by stressing that deliberate efforts must be made to position tourism as a national priority by integrating it into economic planning and international relations strategies.