I have heard so much about tourism within Nigeria as the next "post covid19 travel" money spinner but I will like to lend my voice to prompt new entrants into this field to look critically before implementing their strategies:
i, Security - no tourist embarks on a trip without an assurance that their lives and property are guaranteed.
ii, Good roads - some journeys may be hellish but the destination is paradise. Do not loose your customers before arriving at your el dorado. Plan that trip very well.
iii, Contingencies - these range from back up car for logistics, hotel cancellations / background check on if the hotel has a back up generator, or basically any foreseeable / un foreseen circumstance.
iv, Smooth travel visa / visa on arrival process.
Whatever you do, have these in mind.
The Federal Government has a hand in the profitability of this sector. Try as we may but until The Government understands the potentials in tourism and invests in it, the private sector will only reap peanuts.
The real gainers of post covid19 travel will be Dubai. Why do I say so?
a. Their "non discriminatory" 14 day visa to visitors
b. Excellent airports
c. Organized tour operations
d. Hotel
e. Infrastructure - road network, power generation, et all.
While Europe, USA and Asia will struggle with their visa vetting processes that range from 20 - 60 working days, the UAE will give you a 14 day travel visa within 24hrs - 72hrs then off you go.
So what is my point?
Tourism is a holistic sector - The Government & The Private sector.
More people will visit your country if the mix is right - travel visa, security & infrastructure.
Some tour locations need financial interventions to beautify and preserve artifacts. Trust me, if you have been to some locations you would understand.
So in the interim, yes - local tourism will put food on your table.
This is my contribution to the post covid19 travel season. If you must embrace tourism in Nigeria, then plan for it and plan very well.
Cheers
Dave Chiaka
