Flavour (L) and Patoranking (R)

No doubt, Nigeria’s tourism sector is one that has the potential to generate billions of dollars in revenue for the country if it is properly harnessed.

Music stars Flavour and Patoranking, in a telephone interview with NAN urged the federal government to grow the sector so as to generate more money

“If you look around most African countries, they have started working on their hospitality business for revenue generation. I think it is time for us to take a cue from that. Those countries can hardly organise a show without inviting Nigerian artistes – comedians and musicians – and the reception is always great. Before other African nations beat us to it, I think it’s time we beef up our tourism and entertainment industry,” Flavour said.

On his part, Patoranking called for an -up-to-date-directory of hotels and lodges in the country in the interest of tourists.

He also urged improved security in hotels and other tourist sites.
“The security situation in the country is not as bad as portrayed, but a lot still needs to be done to create a better platform for our God-given resources that visitors need to see,” he said.

He pledged musicians’ support for national development through their profession.
The tourism sector was reported to have generated over $1.1 billion in 2015 from over 6 million visitors, and $853 million from 4.8 million visitors in 2014.