*Seek visa policy review to boost tourism
By Omololu Olumuyiwa
The stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector have called for a review of the visa policies in Nigeria as a means of developing the sector.
The Conveners, Hospitality Business Summit, Sharon Ashinze and Doyin Fabikun
The stakeholders made the call at the two-day Hospitality Business Summit hosted by Vertiline Synergy Limited, a leading hospitality consulting company provided a unique platform where industry professionals, business leaders, and investors convened and brainstormed on molding the future of the sector at the prestigious Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos recently.
They decried the stringent process of acquiring visas by experts, stressing that this had contributed to the dwindling fortune of the tourism sector, which they noted could serve as an alternative income source for the government.
Representative of the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Elizabeth Ofili
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 added that the negative perception expressed by Nigerians about the country also contributes to the decline in the tourism sector.
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.
Okpo stated further, “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. Getting 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.”
In the same vein, the Managing Partner of Vertiline Synergy Limited, Sharon Ashinze, noted that beyond addressing the local challenges of insecurity and poor economy, the government should ensure it simplifies the visa processes to remove bottlenecks often faced by applicants.
Dr. (Mrs.) Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director, Sales & Marketing, Eko Hotels
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.”
The Managing Editor of Travelscope Magazine, Omololu Olumuyiwa with the Special Adviser (Media) to the Hon Minister of Tourism, Elizabeth Ofili at the Hospitality Business Summit 2024.
In her reaction, the Minister for Tourism, Lola Ade-John, who was represented by her Special Adviser on Media, Elizabeth Ofili, noted that the ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Interior to ensure that the stringent visa policies are reviewed.
She urged stakeholders in the tourism sector to collaborate with the government to harness the potential of the sector while harping on the investment opportunities in the tourism sector.
“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”, she concluded.
The first day of the summit kicked off with a series of engaging business topics led by esteemed members of the public and private sectors.
The insightful sessions covered a wide range of subjects on: Community Engagement and Social Impact in Hospitality and Tourism Investments; Leveraging Hospitality Channels for FMCG Products; Investing in Nigeria: The Effect of Government Policies on Locals and Foreigners in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry in Nigeria; Market Entry Strategies for Foreign Hospitality Brands and
Human Capital as a Key to Success in the Hospitality Industry.
The second day of the Hospitality Business Summit was a memorable occasion to celebrate the industry’s achievements with a spectacular gala night.
The Fun-filled evening was a culmination of networking, entertainment, and recognition.
During the gala night, special recognition awards were presented to some outstanding personalities and hospitality businesses in Nigeria, honoring their contributions to the industry’s growth and excellence.
At the night of glamour, celebration, and inspiration, the Founder, The Pyne Africa Awards, Amaka Amatokwu-Ndekwu, Bukky George-Taylor and Eko Hotels are honoured with awards.
Notable among the panelists at the summit are Dr. (Mrs.) Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director, Sales and Marketing, Eko Hotels; Ms. Tannaz Bahnam, Founder, Lost in Lagos; Mr. Mark Slade, Co-founder/CEO, Jara Beach Resort; Ms. Kosi Ofodile, Founder/Creative Director, K21 Media; Mr. Rusdi Ibrahim, MD/CEO, King Burger; Mrs. Omolere Afegbai, PGD Programme Coordinator who represented the Zonal Coordinator, Lagos Campus, Mrs. Chinyere Uche-Ibeabuchi, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and Mr. Chike Ogeah, Managing Director, Mac-Folly Hospitality.
In her closing remarks, Managing Partner of Vertiline Synergy, Doyin Fabikun showered encomium on all the sponsors of the summit and lauded the participants.
“We at Vertiline Synergy will not stop clamouring and advocating until we make hospitality in Nigeria great again”, Doyin concluded.
