Tourism Key to Driving Local Entrepreneurship, Says Shettima

Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima

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The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima on Wednesday said tourism apart from its economic value has the potential to enhance local entrepreneurship.

Shettima made this known during the opening ceremony of the 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa in Abuja on Wednesday.

The event which Shettima declared open on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, is co-hosted by the Nigerian government and the UN Tourism with key stakeholders from across the African continent in attendance.

Their focus will be on discussing strategic policies, exploring emerging trends, and fostering collaboration to advance tourism’s contribution to sustainable developmenft.

Vice President Shettima emphasised the critical role of partnerships between the government and the private sector in developing the tourism industry.

He said: “As we chart a new course for tourism in Africa, one thing is sure, ‘the government cannot build the sector alone, it needs a partnership with the private sector.”

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Shettima also pointed out the transformative impact of technology on tourism, noting that it has enhanced local entrepreneurship and community development.

“The advent of technology has transformed tourism and its opportunities. Apart from its economic value, tourism has the potential to enhance local entrepreneurship and community development,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa said Nigeria has answered the call to make a bold shift from resource dependency to people-powered prosperity through tourism, culture and the creative industries.

“ The 21st century demands that we build economies not just from the ground, but from the soul and here in Nigeria, we are answering that call, with a bold shift from resource dependency to people-powered prosperity through tourism, culture, and the creative industries.

“This year’s theme-“Boosting Social Impact and Education on Tourism through AI, Innovation and Creative Industries’” underscores this point, for the future of African prosperity depends on how boldly we harness our culture, creativity and technology to empower people.”