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Tourism contributes 34% to Nigerian GDP
Nigerian Tourism sector contributed 34% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product in 2017 and about 20% of employment.
The Nigerian Tourism sector contributed 34% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product in 2017 and about 20%of employment, the country’s Statistician General Dr Yemi Kale said.
"Even though as not all of that 34% and 20% GDP and employment contribution will be related directly to Tourism activities. Nevertheless, this shows you the immense potential of Tourism activities in Nigeria, a $500 billion economy with about 70%of that household consumption expenditure." Said Dr Kale
"With respect to the direct impact of Tourism on GDP, the economic activities that make up what we may call the tourism characteristics sectors including art, entertainment and recreation, trade, transport, accommodation and food services, administrative, support and other services."
The Statistician General affirmed that Nigeria is an inspirational destination for visitors. International visitors come here to immerse themselves in landscapes, indigenous culture and experiences and do business in what is unarguably Africa’s largest economy, market and population. This is Nigeria’s competitive advantage, he said.
He stated that as a country, Nigeria and at the National Bureau of Statistics, we also understand that the direct economic benefits of tourism which reflects the direct internal spending within the country from both residents and non-residents on tourism related activities, as well as its indirect and induced effects ranging from job creation, to increased revenue through taxes and foreign exchange, to improved local infrastructure, are far reaching.
Speaking at the press briefing to mark the end of a UNWTO meeting, Nigeria’s Information and Culture Minister, Mr. Lai Mohammed said Nigeria will continue to focus on the areas of competitive advantage in tourism. He mentioned music, film, theatre and the creative industry in general as the focal point.
UNWTO Secretary General Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili said Nigeria has successfully put tourism in the front burner and has told the world that tourism has arrived in Nigeria.
He pledged to continue to support Nigeria because the country is very strategic in the continent of Africa.
Valere Tjolle
Valere
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