Tourism Minister, Lola Ade-John, has reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to fostering peace, intercultural understanding, and economic growth through the tourism sector.
Speaking at the 2024 World Tourism Day celebration in Abuja, themed ‘Tourism and Peace,’ Ade-John emphasized the pivotal role tourism plays in both national and global peace-building efforts, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for prosperity.
In her address, Ms. Ade-John highlighted that tourism goes beyond economic value, stating, “Tourism is a powerful tool for fostering peace, breaking down barriers, and promoting understanding between diverse cultures.”
She stressed that the sector is not only instrumental in job creation and economic growth but also in fostering deeper intercultural connections.
The minister shared projections from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), noting the potential for significant growth in Nigeria’s tourism sector over the next decade.
“The WTTC projects that Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector will create 2.6 million new jobs over the next decade, reaching over 5.1 million by 2032,” Ade-John said.
She further mentioned that the sector is expected to grow at an average rate of 5.4% from 2022 to 2032, outpacing the overall economy.
According to her, the sector’s contribution to the national GDP is projected to hit N12.3 trillion by 2032, accounting for 4.9% of the total economy.
In 2023, Nigeria witnessed a 15% increase in international visitors, with over 1.3 million tourists arriving in the country.
These figures underscore the transformative potential of tourism for Nigeria’s economy.
Ms. Ade-John also called on both the public and private sectors to support peace-building initiatives through tourism, urging them to participate in fostering stability and dialogue.
“The government and private sector can play their roles by contributing to peace and stability in Nigeria by supporting peace-building initiatives and intercultural dialogue,” she said.
Concluding her remarks, the minister emphasized the importance of travel as a tool for global change, adding, “Let us travel not just to see the world but to change it as proud Nigerians, one peaceful interaction at a time.”
UN Tourism Secretary-General Stresses Global Peace Through Tourism
UN Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the broader significance of World Tourism Day in a world plagued by conflict and insecurity.
According to him, “The global tourism family is broad and diverse, but shared humanity unites the world.”
He reinforced the idea that tourism plays a crucial role in expanding understanding and fostering peace across nations.
Anthony Ani, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism, echoed the sentiments of the minister, highlighting the role of tourism in reducing tensions and fostering peaceful coexistence.
“Tourism can help reduce tensions and nurture peace and coexistence,” Ani said, adding that tourism offers opportunities for economic interdependence between neighboring countries, thereby encouraging peaceful development.
Mr. Ani also pointed out the various facets of tourism—accommodation, transportation, attractions, and travel services—that contribute to national and regional economic growth.
He noted that tourism not only creates jobs and strengthens local economies but also contributes to infrastructure development.
“Tourism’s impact goes beyond the economic benefits,” Ani remarked, “It is worthwhile to look at tourism as a social force, rather than just an industry, which we can use to establish a culture of peace.”
