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UNWTO links tourism and culture in Nigeria

UNWTO links tourism and culture in Nigeria
Photo by Boluwatife Oguns- Ask Nigeria

Fortunes of tourism and culture closely linked that they influence one another.

Culture and tourism constitute one of the biggest sectors contributing to the development of Nigeria’s economy. Nigeria is one of the countries with a very rich cultural and tourism sector and if properly harnessed and managed, the sector is posed to immensely improve the workforce development goals in the country, whilst also providing a platform for the preservation of the sociocultural heritage. With the ample number of ethnic groups in the country, there is an imminent desire to position culture and tourism as one of the most significant industries for Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

With Nigeria’s efforts in curbing its current economic recession, there has been numerous calls for the country to play a significant role in the development of African tourism by its diversification from oil to the exploration of tourism and culture. Offering a wide scope of tourist attractions that ranges from wildlife, tropical forests and waterfalls. Also, hand-crafted art and products, as well as the differing lifestyles of the different ethnic groups make up an important part of tourist attractions.

Organization led the charge towards connecting tourism and culture.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) held its first global conference on connecting culture, tourism and the creative industry in Lagos. This conference showcased a celebration of the close links between these major sectors. Statistics show that about 40 percent of all tourists indicate culture as the major motivation for their travels. As such, UNWTO has led the charge as regards further connecting these two sectors through strategic partnerships with affiliate members like Netflix.

Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, whilst opening the event, noted to the numerous country delegates present at the event that the fortunes of tourism of culture was closely linked and thus, one thriving sector will always influence the other. He then urged the private and public sectors to work collaboratively in creating decent jobs, grow their investments, develop the country’s economy and promote digital transformation and innovation in the sectors.

Nigeria’s need for diversification led to prioritizing tourism.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, representing Nigeria, indicated that the country’s passion for diversifying its economy and exploring other sustainable sectors for revenue has led the country into prioritizing tourism, culture and the creative industry. Tourism for one, was recognized for its intense resilience and dynamism. Prof. Osinbajo also highlighted the essence of music in bringing people from different cultures together, serving as a global language for the propagation of different cultures and ideas.

Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s Minister for Tourism also stated that tourism and the creative industry, due to their economic viability, were enjoying a global spotlight, with their places at the forefront of the national and international development plan. Also, UNWTO’s Secretary-General, Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo met with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to explore paradigms by which culture and tourism could be harnessed into creating jobs and improving inclusive development nationally and internationally.

UNWTO also celebrated the richness of the African gastronomy.

This conference focused on the numerous key strategic objectives of UNWTO, especially youth empowerment and immense tourism investment. Also in Lagos, there was a panel discussion on the need to stimulate the creative industry. On the backdrop of the event, UNTWO also celebrated the huge richness of the African gastronomy, regarding it as a growing force within Africa’s tourism sector. An exhibition, “Flavors of the World” took place, showcasing the extraordinary culinary talents. A local culinary chef, Coco Reinarhz joined the discussion about the potential of gastronomy tourism to support inclusive and sustainable economic development.


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Abusi
Abusi
6 months ago

It is very profound that culture is linked to tourism. The things that we see as value when imbedded in artifacts and treasures, these become national things that attract tourist views. This is why there has to be a whole study on our culture to promote tourism in our country.

theApr
theApr
6 months ago

Nigeria is one of the nations having a very robust cultural and tourism sector, and if it is properly utilized and managed, it has the potential to significantly advance the nation’s aspirations for workforce development.

jdpumping
jdpumping
6 months ago

There are so many countries that depends on tourism alone and they make lots of money from it our dear country has gotten so many tourist attractions why not develop and make more money from all these monumental sites.

Haykaylyon26
Haykaylyon26
6 months ago

We can get more money from tourism why not standard it and improve our tourism so we can be earning well from it because tourism is some we can be generating money from if is well utilized and manage

Nwachukwu Kingsley
Nwachukwu Kingsley
6 months ago

We ought to be aware of the fact that Nigeria’s culture and tourism industry is one of the most significant contributors to the country’s growing economy.

Godsewill Ifeanyi
Godsewill Ifeanyi
6 months ago

There have been several requests for Nigeria to play a pivotal role in the growth of African tourism in light of the country’s recent successes in reversing its economic downturn.

Hassan Isa
Hassan Isa
6 months ago

Culture and tourism have the potential to become a major driver of economic growth and development in Nigeria, thanks to the country’s diverse population of indigenous peoples.

Taiwoo
Taiwoo
6 months ago

Crafts and works of art that have been made by hand, in addition to the distinctive ways of life practiced by the many ethnic communities, are an essential component of tourist attractions.

Tolaniiii
Tolaniiii
6 months ago

One of the countries that has a very rich cultural and tourism sector is Nigeria, and if it is properly harnessed and handled, it might be quite lucrative.

Christiana
Christiana
6 months ago

One of the most important contributors to the expansion of Nigeria’s economy is the country’s vibrant cultural scene and tourism industry.

Kazeem1
Kazeem1
6 months ago

the various representatives from different countries that were in attendance at the occasion that the prosperity of tourism and culture were strongly related

Adesanyaj72
Adesanyaj72
6 months ago

The importance of encouraging the arts was the topic of a recent panel. For the occasion, UNTWO also honored the vast culinary diversity of Africa.

Chibuzor
Chibuzor
6 months ago

the power of music to unite individuals of diverse backgrounds and traditions, acting as a unifying medium for the exchange of ideas and information around the world.

Bola12
Bola12
6 months ago

With so many ethnic groups in Nigeria, culture and tourism are ripe for economic development and growth.

Iyanu12345ogg
Iyanu12345ogg
6 months ago

Cultural and tourism sector, has the potential to significantly advance the nation’s aspirations for workforce development. This is why there has to be a whole study on our culture to promote tourism in our country.

Tonerol10
Tonerol10
6 months ago

Through tourism a lot of country has make so much money through it. We need to improve our tourist centre so that it will boost our economy

Ultra0711
Ultra0711
6 months ago

Nigeria is one of the countries with a thriving cultural and tourism industry, which, if harnessed and directed effectively, could do wonders for the country’s hopes of building a more capable labor force.

DimOla
DimOla
6 months ago

Nigeria can’t afford to depend solely on crude oil alone, we need to diversify into to some other areas to generate revenue for the country. Culture and tourism are areas that the country generate additional revenue for the country.

Adeolastan
Adeolastan
6 months ago

There is no how culture can be separated from tourism because most of the countries that really take tourism important,they normally showcase their culture to the tourist.

SarahDiv
SarahDiv
6 months ago

UNWTO as rightly spotted out tourism linked with culture as an avenue for government to also generate revenue for the country by diversification aside crude oil.

Remi1
Remi1
6 months ago

Numerous appeals have been made for Nigeria to play a big role in the growth of African tourism by shifting its focus from oil to the study of tourism and culture as part of its efforts to end its current economic recession.