Expert and practitioners in the Tourism industry have blamed government at all level for the low tourism attraction in Nigeria.
The group made the statement in an extra-ordinary meeting of the body at Broklyn Hotel, D/Line, Port Harcourt on 29th November, 2012.
The chairman of the Association, Alabo Dr. Mike Amachree in his opening speech, reminded the members and stakeholders of the old days in the tourism industry in Nigeria, where practitioners and government were working hand-in-glove for the development of the business.
Dr. Amachree said tourism practitioners were seen in the different cities of the world, packaging and attracting tourists to Nigeria which increased the revenue base of the country then.
The tourism expert stated that their organization with NICON Hilton Hotel Abuja, organized the first Abuja carnival in 1990.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the meeting, Alabo Sunday Amachree, who is the president, Center for Promotion of Peace, Tourism, Arts and Culture, said the reason for the stakeholders’ meeting was for the tourism practitioners to re-strategise and take their place in the development of the industry in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
He lamented the fallen standard of the industry, blaming government for the failure.
He said the annual Abuja carnival and those organized by Rivers State, Cross River and other states were only for a few days which, he said did not bring the desired objective and result.
Alabo Dr. Amachree call on government at all levels to build tourism infrastructure, super-structures, historical monuments, tourist sites, natural and man made attractions to enable practitioners package foreign tourists to Nigeria to boost employment and development as it is done in Israel, Holland and other developed nations.
Others who contributed on the issue during the interactive session blame leaders who refused to make Nigeria a tourism destination in Africa.
Some of the participants called on federal and state governments to create a special Development Bank for the growth of tourism in the country.
Some of the stakeholders suggested that only people who are knowledgeable should be appointed into positions of trust, adding that only suitable hands in capable position can move the tourism industry to a higher level.
Highlight of the event was the introduction of the book titled: “Memories of the Niger Delta Slave Trade Route” which will be ready for publication soon.
Speaking on the book, Prof. E. J. Alagoa, Prof. Emeritus and Director of Research and Planning of CEPTAC, commended those behind the production of the book, which he said will bring cultural linkage among tribes in Nigeria.
Prof. Alagoa stated that the book will add more to the tourism attraction in Rivers state and the Niger Delta at large, while calling for government and group investment into the sector to attract tourists. He called on governments and groups to work together to attract foreign investment and employment in the sector.
He said tourism sites, like the Akaso, if properly developed, will attract tourists to those centers. ###
Pius Dukor
