Nigeria economy is recess but tourism is not —Demuren

The former Director-General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Dr Segun Harold Demuren has said that the prevailing economy recession experience in Nigeria has little or no effect on the tourism activities of the country because of the multi-dimension nature of the industry.

Demure who spoke on the theme, Nigeria in a recessed economy; the way forward, at the 41st non elective Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) in Lagos, recently, described the event which was filled to it brim as a landmark which must be taken seriously to chart a new course for the development of Nigeria tourism industry.

The aviation expert who gave references to other countries with successful tourism economy history said has far as he is concerned, even if the Nigeria economy is recessed

Where Nigeria is today was where china was eight years ago and today china is one of the countries in the world with enviable and diverse economy where tourism is a key sector of their economy.

“Nigeria needs to look inward to develop and repackage our tourism potential to work for us. It is high time we started to think Nigeria in all we do.

Demuren said Nigeria movie industry is an export product that has received global recognition, adding that the government should promote and market the Nollywood because it is not in recess.

the need to market Nigeria as a tourist destination by promoting festivals and events like Durbar, Eyo and others.

He said what the British Airways is doing is what Nigerian carriers should be doing because the country has the business, professional and the population among others.

Demuren explained that there are huge benefits the country can derive from religious tourism, adding that the impact of synagogue Church of All Nations, Redeemed Christian Church of God and Winners Chapel is enormous.

He called on NANTA to take advantage of this religious tourism by synergising with the churches to put up different packages that will make them to key into the religious tourism business.

He however urged the government on the need to ease the burden of visa on arrival.