Stakeholders in the tourism industry had said in Lagos that more commitment from experts in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the financial sector would enhance the development of the nation’s tourism industry.
They said this during the commemoration of “Waka About Africa Newspaper’s 5th year anniversary conference titled, “ ICT and Finance as Catalysts for Tourism and Culture in a Diversified Economy”.
They lauded the impact of ICT and financial institutions to the development of the tourism industry but called for more commitment to further boost it.
They said that this would engender a diversified economy from a mono-economy with crude oil as its main stay.
Mr Pelu Awofeso, a journalist with bias for travelling and tourism, urged financial institutions to reduce their interest rates on loans for hospitality industries and artists.
He said that these categories of people were important to the development of the sector.
“ We must be disposed to huge fund to produce our movies devoid of mistakes; same goes for musicians, sculptors, painters, actors and all.
“These people are those to groom tourism industry, ” he said.
Also, a legendary actor, Okechukwu Ogunjiofor, advised the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), all ICT firms and financial institutions to work together to project the Nigerian rich culture before the international community.
He said that ICT had enabled Nigerian travels and tour organizations to be co-players alongside other nationals at the global level.
“It is now possible through the ICT to watch new home movies produced in Nigeria in all parts of the world.
“This is highly commended but we want an improvement on Nigerian tourism industry, ” he said.
Also, Chief Mike Ahamba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) advised Nigerians to positively utilise ICT gadgets available to them to promote and groom the tourism sector.
“As individuals, we must pay attention to use the ICT gadgets at our disposal to groom tourism through proper advertisement of those important, historically and culturally enriching sites.
“Then, we can look up to the government to solve problems of infrastructures and security,’’ he said.(NAN)
PTB/PAD