THE Federal Government has estimated about N12.3 trillion gains from tourism by 2032, just as it projected that the sector would create additional 2.6 million jobs within the period.
The government has also called on State governments to collaborate with it in revitalising the dying tourist attractions, such as the Obudu Mountain Resort and Yankari Game Reserve.
Lola Ade-John, the Minister of Tourism, stated this on Friday in Abuja in her speech at the World Tourism Day 2024 with the theme: ‘Tourism and Peace.’
Ade-John stated that the government aligned with the projections of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which showed that Nigeria’s tourism sector would create 2.6 million new jobs in the coming decade and contributing N12.3 trillion to the economy by 2032.
She insisted that for the projections to come to fruition, all hands must be on deck with private sector and State governments collaborating with the Federal government.
The minister emphasised that in today’s world, where divisions were more pronounced, tourism serves as a bridge to foster harmony, stressing that tourism was more than an industry, rather a pathway to peace and reconciliation.
She added: “Every interaction between a visitor and a host is an opportunity to build bridges of understanding. Our goal is not only to promote Nigeria’s beauty and culture, but to leverage these experiences to create a peaceful and prosperous nation.”
