Nigeria welcomed 1.2 million international visitors in 2023, marking a significant milestone for the country’s tourism sector, according to the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John. Speaking at the 20th edition of the AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market in Lagos, the Minister highlighted this achievement alongside a rise in domestic tourism, with three million trips recorded during the same period, a 20% increase from 2022.
“Nigeria stands at the forefront of a tourism revolution, positioned to become a leading global destination,” said Ade-John, expressing optimism about the future growth of tourist arrivals and revenue. She noted that tourism contributed 3.65% to Nigeria’s 2022 GDP, amounting to $17.3 billion, and emphasized the sector’s vast untapped potential.
The Minister shared that Nigeria’s cultural landscape is one of its strongest assets, with over 1,000 annual festivals, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and numerous parks and reserves. “Our numbers tell a compelling story,” she said, underscoring the country’s rich cultural heritage and its growing appeal to both local and international visitors.
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A notable highlight of the Minister’s speech was the role of Nigerian youths in driving tourism growth. With 70% of the population under 30, the youth are playing a critical role in shaping the sector. In 2023, 65% of domestic trips were undertaken by travelers aged 18 to 35, and youth-led tourism startups have grown by 150% over the past three years.
“Young Nigerians are not just travellers; they are storytellers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs reshaping our tourism landscape,” Ade-John stated. She also pointed out that 80% of the tourism workforce in Nigeria is under the age of 40, bringing innovation and digital-savvy skills to the industry.
Ade-John assured that the Ministry is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s tourism potential through governance, digital transformation, infrastructure rehabilitation, and community-based tourism. She stressed the need for collaboration between the government, private sector, media, and civil society to fully develop the industry’s economic contributions.
“The future of Nigerian and African tourism is in your hands. Nigeria is open for business, and we are reshaping the tourism landscape,” she said, encouraging all stakeholders to join forces in propelling Nigeria to the forefront of global tourism.
The Minister concluded by commending the organizers of AKWAABA African Travel Market 2024 for their vision and dedication, hoping that their efforts would continue to drive the tourism industry to greater heights.