Photo Illustration: Visa 

By Tanko Lami

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry are advocating for a revision of visa policies to foster growth in the sector.

This appeal was made during a summit hosted by Vertiline Synergy Limited in Lagos on Friday.

The participants criticized the challenging visa acquisition process for experts, arguing that it has negatively impacted the tourism sector, which they believe could provide a significant alternative income source for the government.

In her keynote address, Founder of Suffy Travels Limited, Sally Okpo, highlighted several challenges facing the tourism sector, including infrastructure deficits, economic issues, and strict visa policies.

She also noted that the negative perception of Nigeria among its own citizens contributes to the sector’s decline.

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.

“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. To get 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.”

Similarly, Managing Partner of Vertiline Synergy Limited, Sharon Ashinze, emphasized that in addition to tackling local issues such as insecurity and economic difficulties, the government should streamline visa processes to eliminate the common obstacles faced by applicants.

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.”

In her response, Minister for Tourism Lola Ade-John, represented by her Special Adviser on Media, Elizabeth Ofili, highlighted that the ministry is working with the Ministry of Interior to review the stringent visa policies.

She encouraged tourism sector stakeholders to partner with the government to unlock the sector’s potential and emphasized the investment opportunities available.

Noting that some improvements have already been made, she assured that efforts are ongoing to further simplify the process.

Nigeria remains a leading player in Africa’s hospitality industry, offering numerous investment opportunities.

For Advert, Event Coverage, Story/Article Publication, PR & Other Media Services
Contact Us On: WhatsApp
Send Email To: citizennewsng@gmail.com
Visit Citizen NewsNG To Read More Latest And Interesting News