By Kunle SHONUGA
The Project Manager, Akweaba African Travel Market, Mr Paul Ukachukwu, has called on travel agencies and other stakeholders to organize exhibition fairs to promote Nigeria’s rich tourism potentials.
Ukachukwu made the in Abuja on Friday.
According to him, organising regular fairs will provide a platform for Nigeria to showcase its rich and natural potentials that will further encourage tourists to partake and experience the beauty of the country.
He said it was in view of this that the travel agency recently organised a fair in Lagos to enable participants from over 20 countries including Dubai, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Ghana and Ethiopia to exhibit the tourism assets and potentials in the industry.
“ This is a place Africa meets the world, it is a place you tell the world about Africa; this is what we are doing, and what we can give you. It markets and positions Africa as a tourism destination.
“ Annually, we have over 200 people we give visas to on arrival in Nigeria from outside the country. We do a lot to attract people into the country without government support.
“ It is a travel and tourism firm, a platform whereby buyers and sellers meet face to face and network without any barrier, ‘’ he said.
According to him, the platform has been able to increase the influx of tourists into Nigeria and Africa at large, as well as encourage private sector to delve into the tourism, hospitality and travel business.
He, therefore, called on Nigerians to continue to showcase positive images about Nigeria, which would further encourage tourists to visit the numerous sites and enjoy the lifestyle of the society.
