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Nigeria Project
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EcoTourism:
Nigeria's Opportunities With an estimated population of 120 million and substantial human and natural resources, Nigeria is by far the largest market in Africa. President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana acknowledged this fact, when at the last Africa-Africa American summit held in Accra, he declared that although Ghana is the gateway to Africa, Nigeria is the final destination.
Nigeria as an African destination can best be described as "Africa in One Country," or better still, the real Africa. She offers unique products that will accommodate special interest groups and individual travelers. Some of the various tourism products offered by the country include the following: African Heritage: Nigeria is a
combination of over 2000 years of traditional culture, with
one of the most modern lifestyles on the African continent.
It has everything from ancient villages, markets, palaces
and shrines, to modern cities, highways and industries. With
over 250 ethnic cultures the country can be referred to as
Africa's cultural melting pot. It is estimated that over 67%
of African in Diaspora has origins in our country, hence
Nigeria is the 'real roots' of the African-American. Adventure: Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic cultures, vast unexplored areas, vegetation zones that stretch from the Mangrove rain forest of the southern coast to the Sale region of the northern borders with Niger and Chad republics, is an adventure paradise waiting to be discovered. Cultural Tourism: The most unique selling point for Nigeria is the diversity of the ethnic cultures of her people. Cultural festivals abound year round, and every aspect of the African cultural experience is represented in this country. Sports: Nigeria is the leading sporting nation in Africa. Her prowess in soccer, the world's greatest sporting event, is well acknowledged. Akeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets will testify to her potential in Basketball. The country is slated to host the next All African Games in 2003. Ladies and gentlemen, you will agree with me that Nigeria is the Africa's destination of the Millennium. It is therefore important that travel trade professionals should update their knowledge about Nigeria. The 4th ATA Ecotourism Symposium offers a great opportunity to experience first hand what the country has to offer. Delegates at the Symposium will meet with their Nigeria counter parts, visit places they have often hear abou,t and will be able to access the country's potential by themselves. They will return with a better understanding of Nigeria and be able to advise their numerous clients on what to expect when visiting the country. Although, tourism in Nigeria is an emerging industry, we in the sector are ready for the challenges of effective development of the industry and count on the support and assistance of our counterparts in North America. We urge you to take a second look at the tourism potential the country has to offer, and you will be surprised at what you will find.
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Nigeria
is presently seeking avenues to revive her devastated
economy and looking at the service sector to play a leading
role in bringing about the desired change. Tourism, a
'home-grown' industry, has the greatest potential to bring a
rapid growth in the economy of the country, since it is
labor-intensive and most of the imports are available
locally. However, Nigeria's great tourism potential is yet
to be discovered and exploited by the tourism- generating
countries of North America, Europe and South East Asia.
Nigeria is known as an oil producing nation, but her tourism
potential far exceeds that of crude oil.