LASG seeks collaboration to grow tourism sector

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu has reiterated his administration’s desire to grow the state’s tourism to global standard while also calling for the collaboration of the private sector to strengthen the sector.

“We have a responsibility, no doubt, but we cannot do it alone. We need the Federal Government, the private sector, and the residents of Lagos State. I have already shared some of the interventions of the Federal Government, especially in infrastructure.”

The governor stated this in his keynote address at the 2019 Tourism and Hospitality Forum of the Institute of Directors’ (IOD) Nigeria, held recently in Lagos with the theme, “driving sustainable tourism through governance, policy and infrastructure.”

“For tourism to thrive we must have stories to tell and to sell to the world. We must sensitise people to the many attractions on offer in Lagos, and we must package these attractions in a manner that will intrigue and excite and entertain people,” said Sanwo-olu.

According to Sanwo-olu, the state government wants to be business enabler, but a number of vital elements must align and work together to attract and support tourism for it to thrive in the country.

“Security is top of that list. Even as it is clear that there is no city in the world that is one hundred percent safe, tourists must be able to feel safe enough to visit and spend time in a city. Here in Lagos we are investing in security, and also counting on the support of the private sector, through their contributions to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).

“Infrastructure is another key element of the framework required for tourism to thrive. Lagos is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, and it has been challenging ensuring that the infrastructure keeps up with the demographics. We need to move larger numbers of people around the city, and in faster and more efficient ways. And we cannot do this by our roads alone, considering that in the first place we are a relatively small landmass, and limited in our ability to expand.

“Rail is also a priority for us; a functioning light rail system is long overdue in a city with the economic potential of Lagos. The Blue Line, which connects the northern suburbs of the city with Lagos Island, will be completed and ready for operations before the end of 2020,” said Sanwo-olu, stating that ability to create efficient and affordable mass transit alternatives that will connect and open up Lagos see positive effects in attracting tourists,” SanwoOlu stated.

Chris Okunowo, president and chairman of council, IOD Nigeria said tourism has evolved to become one of the fastest growing industries across the world. According to him, the growth has been driven by advanced technology in travel and an increased holiday culture. “However, while several African countries have increased the scope of tourism to meet global benchmarks, Nigeria’s approach appears to be stuck in the past,”okunowo stated.