Economic contribution of tourism in Nigeria

TOURISM

Economic Contribution of Tourism in Nigeria

PRESENTEDBY:-

IBRAHIM ZUBAIRU ABUBAKAR

NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

The tourism industry is a powerful driver of the economic engine of nations. The important roles of the tourism sector as the main instrument in socioeconomic development of any nation cannot be overstated. Although some of the tourist Centers' in Nigeria is not well developed to promote socioeconomic development

The industry generates over US$ 1 Trillion per annum in direct earnings (indirect earnings being as high as threefold those of direct earnings).

However, the only way to realize the important roles of tourism is through a well-developed packaged and promoted tourism attraction.

Nigeria’s tourism sector is still operating below capacity even as tourism becomes the fastest growth industry globally.

More to the point, the lack of adequate empirical data has hindered policy makers and other stakeholders on the viability of most of the existing tourism destinations in Nigeria. (Ajibola, 2013).

The tourism industry offers the opportunity to lessen the country’s dependence on oil revenue, if properly harnessed. At the present level, the industry annual revenue from the sector is about N80 billion. (George, 2013).

STRENGTH

About 101 tourist attractions in Nigeria, spread across the six geopolitical zones and spanning different types of tourism assets such as rocks, plateaus, hills, springs, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, museums, shrines, cultural festivals, parks, gardens, game reserves, zoos, etc. (Abiodun, 2012:74).

Natural attraction (e.g. forests, parks and caves), cultural attractions (e.g. traditional lifestyles, festivals, music and dances), and historic and heritage sites (e.g. museums, archeological sites, historic towns) is in abundance in Nigeria. Nigeria is well-positioned to exploit the growing interest natural products in virtually every part of the globe (Uche, 2013).

There are countless festivals and carnivals organized across the 36 states of the federation. Many of these cultural events are probable income gainers on their own, both for the government and the community. There is Arugungun Festival , Eyo in Lagos, Osun festival in Osogbo, Ogun festival in Oyo, Ojude obey Festival in Ijebu, Ofala Festival in Anambra, yam festival in Abuja/suleja. (Ajibola, 2013).

HISTORICAL BUILDINGS

NATURAL RESOURCES

CULTURAL

FESTIVALS

CONT.

WEAKNESS

Lack of reliable statistics and knowledge about Nigeria as a tourist destination have been identified as one of the variables militating against tourism development in Nigeria (Report, 2006). And poor records of tourism activities (Mohammed, 2009).

For example, a survey of tour operators in the UK, Europe and the US. Indicated that lack of information or knowledge about Nigeria as a tourist destination. (Report, 2006).

Nigerians do not spend their holidays in the country, usually travel out of the country and low level of awareness is another factor

The current marketing approach is very weak and marketing is underfunded as well as, lack of strategic marketing approach

It is difficult to put a figure to the contributions from the sector (Isaac, 2012).

OPPORTUNITIES

Nigeria, with its vast landmass, physical features, rich cultural diversity, numerous wildlife zone and despicability, clearly have several advantages over some countries. (Udeme, 2010). Nigeria, with its over 250 ethnic groups, has ample opportunities for cultural tourism in terms of historical sites, annual traditional festivals, and folk art such as crafts, carvings, and sculpture.

A country uses its strengths to build on the opportunities that arise. Nigeria believes that its environment, natural and cultural resources focused will result in superior returns even in a price sensitive market.

That the future of tourism is largely depends on the opportunities and challenges being exploited, addressed, and stressed.

Due to growing demand, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to drive demand from countries such as Africa and Asia. Over the 2013-2020 periods, Africa and Asia are expected to contribute more than half of the projected growth in international visitation with 30 percent of that growth expected around the world.

THREATS

The tourism industry in other African countries such as Kenya, Gambia, Tanzania, Ghana, and the Republic of Benin has been witnessing an unprecedented boom. (Udeme, 2010).

It is reported also that tourism contributes about 25% of the Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and that about 70% of Kenya’s tourism revenue come from wildlife tourism alone.

A total of 73, 282 Nigerian tourists visited South Africa last year, contributing almost R800 million ($88.6m) to the South African economy

Nigerians are known for travelling to many far-flung destinations all over the world. (Mzwandile, 2013).

About 47% of Nigerians visited India in 2012 for medical attention, according to the Indian high commission. 18,000 medical tourists spent $260 million (N42bn) (Weekly Trust, 2013).

In another related development Nigerians spent N250 billion annually on imported medical cares. (Henry, 2013).

STATISTICAL ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS

CONT1

CONT2

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CONT5

RECOMMENDATIONS

Partnership with countries such as the U.S. and other European tour operators will also to woo tourists to Nigeria.

The government should show enough will and commitment towards tourism development.

Without the government leading the approach, private investors will not show adequate interest in tourism.

Government should set up an intervention fund to assist tourism operators, so as to tap the full potential of the sector.

Concerted efforts should be made to encourage investments in tourism infrastructure, as this will affect positively to the sector and the national economy.

Also, there is a need to repackage the nation’s culture which is the most effervescent in Africa and a very important resource that could be a goldmine to the economy.

Encourage the progress of international three star hotels. Promotion and marketing of tourism activities in Nigeria could sell our brand

easily, especially to those who cannot afford for a transcontinental trip A significant increase in marketing expenditure will be required to overcome

the lack of awareness of Nigeria as a tourist destination and the very poor image of the country

CONT.1

Nigerians must be encouraged to spend their disposable funds in the country, This will save foreign exchange, facilitate the development of the tourism industry with the attendant advantages

Presentation and packaging of many festivals and events can be highly marketable

Embark on a mammoth marketing campaign to attract African tourists to visit our country.

Tourism should be observed as strategically important to the economy of Nigeria, the necessary plans, policies, actions and resources to support the sector should be put in place, tourism will continue to be a missed opportunity

Increased in the levels of community attachment, will be additional advantage and the degree in which perceived benefits and support, for sustainable tourism development among most residents. Economic benefits was believed to result from the conservation of natural and cultural resources and directly assists both local communities and nations in achieving sustainable environmental development.

CONT.2

Pragmatic policy that will improve the sector should be formulated.

There is need to emulate France that has put policies in place that will drive the tourism sector from now till 2020. Or, Dubai that has tourism projection of 300 billion Dirham’s, the United Arab Emirate’s currency; a plan they intend to achieve through the construction of 160,000 hotel rooms that will attract more than 20 million tourists from the present 10 million tourists that visit the country by 2020.

Local governments should provide opportunities for most residents to participate in tourism-related activities and to invest in the development of community-based tourism.

CONT3

The success of tourism and hospitality industry in any country depends on the ability of that country to sufficiently improve, manage and market the tourism facilities and activities of that country as most developing countries depend mostly on tourism for economic growth and diversity.

The government should build the tourism brand, convert the strength in demand and visitation, developing the tourism product to contribute towards a more globally competitive tourism industry.

The government should seek for investors and stakeholders to partner in improving the figures through viable investments in the tourism sector.

The investment would help in building tourism and hospitality infrastructure, manpower and drawing global attention to the hospitality, transportation, eco-tourism and sports sectors of the economy.

CONCLUSION

Finally, progress cannot be completed without education. For our tourism industry to compete favorably with its counterparts across the world, the appropriate education policy should be endorsed for the promotion of our tourism industry. We cannot continue losing what we have because of illiteracy among our people, but let us all join hands together to make our beloved country Nigeria tourist heaven.

THANKS