Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector ask for a review of the visa policies in Nigeria to grow the sector.
The stakeholders made the call at a recently held summit organised by Vertiline Synergy Limited in Lagos, according to The Punch.
They bemoaned the difficult procedure that experts had to go through to obtain a visa, emphasizing that this had contributed to the declining fortunes of the tourism industry, which they pointed out might be alternative source of revenue for the government.
Giving a keynote address, the Founder of Suffy Travels Limited, Sally Okpo, said the tourism sector is faced with a series of challenges, among which are infrastructure deficit, economic issues, and stringent visa policies.
Okpo further said that another factor in the downturn of the tourism industry is the unfavourable opinion that Nigerians have of their nation.
She said, “Proper development of tourism can make it a major economic driver. However, challenges exist. Infrastructure needs improvement, and global perception which often focuses on negative perception especially being promoted by Nigerians needs to be stopped.
“Addressing these challenges is key to unlocking the potential of the tourism sector. The government should assist tourism for economic growth by putting infrastructures in place like good roads, hotel facilities, electricity and water.
“Our visa regime is so stringent. To get a visa is very difficult. We need to have bilateral partnerships with different countries in a way that they can come to this country visa-free.
“We should begin to look into having such partnerships with countries that allow visa-free entries for Nigerians and we also reciprocate the same for other countries. This will help us to develop tourism in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the Managing Partner of Vertiline Synergy Limited, Sharon Ashinze pointed out beyond tackling the region’s problems with insecurity and a faltering economy, the government should make sure the visa application procedure is made simpler to get rid of barriers that applicants frequently encounter.
Ashinze said, “If you are trying to promote tourism in your country, everything needs to be simplified. Even when you have stringent visa policies, there should not be bottlenecks.
“If the process is online, let everything be online so that whatever I want to do will be done online. Issues concerning delays in issuing visas should also be addressed.”
In her remarks, the Minister for Tourism, Lola Ade-John, who was represented by her Special Adviser on Media, Elizabeth Ofili stated that the ministry is working with the Ministry of Interior in order to guarantee that the strict visa regulations are reviewed.
She reiterated the investment prospects in the tourist sector and urged stakeholders to work with the government to realize the sector’s potential.
“Some changes have been made already to make the process easier. We are working with the relevant ministry to see how we can make the process easier. Nigeria stands at the forefront of Africa’s hospitality landscape, offering a wealth of investment prospects.
