The Federal Government’s renewed push to grow tourism received fresh impetus as the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Mrs Hannatu Musawa, declared that sustainable tourism development must place local communities at its centre.
Mrs Musawa, who was represented by the Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority, Dr Olayiwola Awakan, spoke at the Bonny Island Tourism and Investment Summit where she stressed that tourism must create jobs, encourage community participation and respect the environment if it is to deliver lasting benefits.
“The destination becomes competitive when its attractions are deliberately developed, connected, packaged, marketed and sustainably managed to create memorable experiences for visitors and measurable economic value for the host community,” she said.
She explained that the transformation envisaged for Bonny must go beyond isolated facilities. It should cover access and connectivity, accommodation, visitor services, attractions, entertainment, events, cultural experiences, safety and security, digital visibility, environmental sustainability, investment facilitation and strong destination governance.
“We must also recognise that sustainable tourism development must place the people of Bonny at the centre,” the minister’s representative added. “The people must not simply be spectators of tourism development. They must be beneficiaries, owners, custodians and ambassadors of the destination.”
She further noted that Bonny’s coastal and mangrove environment is both a major asset and a fragile resource that requires careful protection.
In his remarks, the Amayanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, welcomed responsible tourism investment.
He said properly planned tourism creates jobs, supports small and medium-sized enterprises, promotes culture and heritage, attracts infrastructure and empowers women and young people.
“We look at tourism as an engine of development,” the monarch stated. “We welcome investors who share our vision of sustainable and responsible development. There are opportunities in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, waterfront development, transportation, entertainment, cultural industries, ecotourism, sports tourism, creative industries and related sectors.”
He emphasised that partnerships should transfer knowledge and technology while strengthening the economic base of local communities.
Nollywood actress Hilda Dokubo during a panel session urged stakeholders to protect Bonny’s natural environment while developing its tourism potential.
She called for well-managed spaces that are attractive, safe and capable of generating revenue for communities
The summit attracted tourism investors and featured cultural performances as well as panel discussions on ways to harness the island’s tourism potentials.
