Hoteliers were asked to help promote historical and touristic locations in Nigeria by Miss Tourism Nigeria, Joy Ekekwe, on Tuesday.
The contact was placed by the 26-year-old financial consultant during the 19th AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism Market, which took place in Lagos from September 3 to September 5.
Ekekwe noted that everyone working in the hospitality and tourist sectors must be active in the promotion of historical places, not just tour operators.
Only in this way, she claimed, could hoteliers contribute to other value chains in the travel and tourist sector.
Additionally, she said that when countries start to recognise Nigeria’s enormous tourism potential, it will put the country on the map of the world’s travel destinations.
“Nigerian hoteliers must have a strong sense of national pride to the point that they actively promote historical and tourist destinations all around the country.
It should be more than just a place to unwind, she said, adding that guests should be encouraged to visit some historical locations. This would increase the number of people who visit those locations and advance the development of inbound tourism.
Ekekwe counselled Nigerians to always be proud of all that defines their identity, including their language, dancing, culture, music, and everything else.
She added Nigerians must start appreciating the country’s tourism potential, which includes, among other things, its abundance of caves, waterfalls, monoliths, crafts, and game reserves.
It was about time, she said, for Nigerians to start treating these endowments like priceless treasure and actively marketing them to draw in both domestic and foreign tourists.
Before, Bayo Adedeji, the chief executive officer of Wakanow Group, gave advice to those working in the tourism sector to incorporate technology into their daily tasks.
Adedeji pointed out that promoting tourism all around the world requires the use of technology.
“The operation of the travel and tourist industry could become chaotic if technology is not used to its fullest capacity.
He remarked, “Government has supported us enough; for us to function at our best, we must incorporate technology into everything we do.”
