Sustainable Tourism Needed to Protect Nigeria’s Natural and Cultural Resources
Nigeria’s stakeholders have urged for sustainable tourism plans to protect the country’s natural and cultural resources, while supporting local economies and enhancing visitor experiences. The call comes as the country celebrates World Tourism Day, a day aimed at fostering awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism.
During a press briefing in Abuja, stakeholders from the tourism industry gathered to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable tourism practices. Speaking at the event, Aisha Yusuf, the Creative Director of Hayche Network and Senior Special Adviser on Sustainable and Accessible Tourism to the Executive Director of Tourism Volunteer Network, emphasized the need for sustainable solutions for tourism in Nigeria.
"We are urging the government and every individual to come on board in creating awareness about our environment and sustainable solutions," said Yusuf. "It’s time for us to take ownership of our actions and ensure that we leave a positive impact on the environment."
The stakeholders’ call for sustainable tourism follows a clean-up exercise at Jabi Lake, a popular resort in Abuja. According to Omoefe Tawiyah, the Manager Director of Platinum X media and organiser of the event, the lake needs to be cleaned up to become a tourist destination that attracts tour guides and tourists.
"Cleanliness is next to godliness, and if Jabi Lake is properly cleaned up, it will be one of the destinations for tour guides and tourists to visit," said Tawiyah.
Phil Roberts, the Executive Director of Tourism Volunteers Network, also emphasized the importance of infrastructure tourism, saying that Abuja has many tourist sites that can be turned into tourism destinations with the right infrastructure in place.
"Abuja has a lot of tourist sites, and our advocacy is to turn those tourist sites into tourism destinations," said Roberts. "Jabi Lake has all the characteristics that make a tourism destination possible, and this can be a three or four-star tourism destination."
With the theme of "Tourism and Peace" for World Tourism Day 2024, the sector plays a vital role in fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures, and in supporting reconciliation processes. It is crucial that stakeholders take a sustainable approach to tourism development to ensure the preservation of Nigeria’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.
