The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dees Travels, Professor Sunday Adebisi, is drumming up support for tourism policies to unlock the sector’s potential.
Speaking at the sideline of the company’s get-together party, organised for its management, staff, stakeholders, and shareholders in Lagos recently, Adebisi observed that Nigeria has what it takes to conveniently transform into the status of a developed country such as Dubai if policies are properly channelled toward tourism.
Explaining how both Nigerians and foreigners trooped into the country in large numbers during the Yuletide, Adebisi emphasised that Nigeria will unlock tourism potential by attracting fun seekers globally if only the country can rightly create needed policies.
While acknowledging the effort of the government in the industry, he charged the government to place more attention on the tourism sector to tap into the unimaginable wealth the sector possesses.
Highlighting the success of what he terms as the “Dirty December” period, which, according to him, saw the country “rake in over $100 million in revenue. Adebisi stated that the success showcases Nigeria’s appeal as a travel destination, stressing the importance of tapping into the country’s tourism assets.
“You all know what happened during the ‘Dirty December’ that brought in more than $100 million, and what that tells you is that Nigeria is a place people want to visit. If we get our tourism sector right, the potential is limitless.”
He continued, “This event has shown that, with proper organisation, Nigeria could surpass even Dubai and become the premier destination in Africa. With 365 days of summer, there’s no reason tourists can’t flock to Nigeria year-round.”
While acknowledging the effort of the current Nigerian government, Adebisi noted that the right policies and support are crucial to realising the full potential of the tourism and aviation industries.
“We are ready to support the government in achieving its goals, but the right frameworks need to be in place,” he added.
Echoing these sentiments, Group Managing Director Daisi Olotu stressed the need for greater attention to aviation and tourism, two sectors that could significantly drive economic growth.
Olotu argued that with proper investment and focus, the tourism industry could generate substantial revenue for the country.
He said, “The current government is trying its best, but aviation and tourism need more focus. If aviation gets the attention it deserves, it will generate more money for operators, agents, and the economy at large.
“Tourism has the potential to generate vast amounts of income, and if Nigeria wants to compete globally, it must make these sectors a priority. People are already travelling; many Nigerian families have relatives abroad, and travel will continue to bring money into the country.”
Both Ade and Olotu called on the government to implement policies that would nurture the growth of these critical sectors and boost Nigeria’s global standing as a travel and tourism hub.
