An expert in Nigeria’s tourism sector, Mr Dare Olayiwola, has called for investments in community-led conservation and incentivised green innovation to drive inclusive growth and foreign exchange.
Olayiwola, Vice President at Sabre West Africa, a global distribution firm for travel agents, made the call on Saturday in Lagos during an interview.
He spoke against the backdrop of the 2025 edition of the World Tourism Day with the theme: ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’.
He stressed the importance of promoting Nigerian destinations and investing in sustainable transformations to boost global competitiveness and ensure resilience in the sector.
“We must mainstream sustainability into destination planning, invest in community-led conservation and incentivise green innovation in hospitality and transport,” Olayiwola said.
According to him, technology and innovation are critical accelerators, with tools such as smart hotel systems, drones for park management and AI-driven demand forecasting already improving efficiency.
He further emphasised digital platforms, including mobile payments and online craft marketplaces, as key drivers of empowerment for local communities.
Speaking on Nigeria’s attractions, Olayiwola highlighted Yankari Game Reserve, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and Ado-Awaye’s suspended lake, noting that proper packaging could transform them into global tourism destinations.
He also highlighted opportunities in wellness tourism, eco-adventures, domestic leisure travel and “bleisure” packages, which combine business and leisure experiences, as trends Nigeria must quickly seize.
However, he identified persistent barriers in infrastructure and security, urging public-private partnerships to upgrade roads, airports and accommodation, alongside professional tourist safety units.
Olayiwola further called on government to treat tourism as an export industry, with a clear growth plan, tax incentives, simplified visas and international marketing campaigns.
