- Lagos working to remove tag as poor tourist destination
Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels and Suites, Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, has decried the ranking of Lagos State by Forbes Advisor as Top 10 most dangerous cities for tourists. She noted while there are challenges, the report did not account for efforts to improve these conditions.
Dr Gbadebo said ignoring some of the concerns could further impact the sector and stifle development.
She said: “It is imperative Lagos State (if it does not have one) develops a 10-year tourism master plan with predictable economic outcomes. The plan, which will also require legislative support, will become the compass for policy implementation in the sector.”
In addition, Iyadunni noted “Lagos State tourism sector has potential to attract $10 billion annually into the economy. To achieve this, the government must focus on creating an enabling environment – investment in infrastructure and improved internal security. It must encourage more private sector participation and set up a tourism fund to provide cheap and long-term funding to hospitality businesses.”
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She said “collaborations with the media and other stakeholders to shape the narrative around visiting Lagos and present a more balanced perception that highlights not only challenges but also attractions, experiences, and destinations, are imperative.”
The director called for a national re-orientation campaign to redeem our global image, saying the government should set up “a technocratic, informed, youthful, and intentional committee to propel better story telling about our country.
Stories of our strength in numbers, education, and exposure of our people, highlighting the many Nigerians doing amazing things home and abroad, in medicine, music, movies, fashion, and ministry.”