Expert tasks communities on exploration of tourism’s potential.
By Taiye Olayemi
A tourism expert, Mr Ayo Omotosho, has emphasised the need for local communities to benefit optimally from the exploration of their tourism potential.
Omotosho, who is the President of Travelogue Communications L.td., made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
He said that tourism was a tool that could be used to drive revenue inflow as well as increase employment creation, among others.
The tourism expert said there was the need to create more awareness on such opportunities, which the upcoming Destination Tourism Show would aim to achieve.
Omotosho said that the show, holding in Lagos, with the theme, “Celebrating Diversity in Tourism and Hospitality”, was the fifth edition of such.
He said that the programme, slated for Nov. 29 and Nov. 30, would help to promote community-based tourism through the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos.
According to him, the programme would feature Lagos Local Government Tourism Market, (LLGTM) with a roadshow to communities, giving those communities visibility.
“ The 5th Destination Tourism show holds from 29th to 30th November 2023 at Freedom Park and Eko Hotels respectively.
“This year’s destination tourism show will have a special focus on community-based tourism.”
He said that tourism officers from each of the local government area in Lagos would expose the tourism potential within their local government to the public.
“This will give room for proper education on tourism and in the long run, help to market those potential for improved wealth creation.
“This is to add tourism values and sensitise both the state and local authorities in Lagos to increase the capacity of local governments to generate and earn tourism revenue.
“ The roadshow on community-based tourism will provide an opportunity for business to busines (B2B) and a showcase of handicrafts, including a tantalising journey through local cuisines.”
Omotosho noted that through the roadshow, the needed education would be created.
This, according to him, will create more employment opportunities for the youths in the local communities.
” It will also open windows of development for tourism assets and infrastructure in the local government.”
Omotosho said to encourage others to do more, those who had done well in tourism, culture travel trade and allied services would be recognised on the second day of the programme.
” These include local government chairmen who supported community-based tourism development in their various communities in Lagos.”
The tourism expert said the event would enrich the participants, particularly the conference session which would be an eye-opener and help in attracting investors
“Tourism opens minds to unlimited opportunities and there are lots of tourism business opportunities in the local communities,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
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