Tourism and hospitality stakeholders in Nigeria are urging the government to review its visa policies, citing the need to revitalise the sector and diversify the country’s economy. This call to action emerged from a recent summit organised by Vertiline Synergy Limited in Lagos, where industry experts highlighted the challenges hindering Nigeria’s tourism growth.
Key Challenges Facing Nigeria’s Tourism Sector:
- Stringent Visa Processes: Experts emphasised that the complex visa acquisition procedures for international visitors are a significant barrier to tourism development.
- Infrastructure Deficit: Inadequate roads, hotel facilities, electricity, and water supply were identified as major obstacles.
- Economic Issues: The current economic climate is deterring potential tourists and investors.
- Negative Perceptions: Stakeholders noted that unfavourable views about Nigeria, often propagated by citizens themselves, contribute to the sector’s decline.
Sally Okpo, founder of Suffy Travels Limited, stressed the potential of tourism as a major economic driver. She advocated for:
- Improved infrastructure development
- Efforts to combat negative perceptions about Nigeria
- Implementation of visa-free agreements with strategic countries
Sharon Ashinze, Managing Partner of Vertiline Synergy Limited, called for:
- Simplification of visa processes
- Streamlining online visa applications
- Addressing delays in visa issuance
Government Response:
The Minister for Tourism, Lola Ade-John, represented by Elizabeth Ofili, assured stakeholders that:
- The ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Interior to review visa policies.
- Some changes have already been implemented to ease the process.
- Nigeria is positioning itself as a prime investment destination in Africa’s hospitality sector.
The government urged industry stakeholders to collaborate in harnessing the sector’s potential and exploring investment opportunities.
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, the tourism sector presents a promising avenue for growth. By addressing visa policy challenges, improving infrastructure, and changing perceptions, the country can unlock its vast tourism potential and attract more international visitors.