‘Our Vision For Tourism in 2012’

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Disun Holloway, has unveiled government’s vision to boost tourism in the state this year.

He said government has resolved to redefine tourism, create employment and boost economic activities in the state, adding that it had concluded plans to develop a tourism calendar for this year.

Speaking in Lagos, South West Nigeria, Holloway stated that the framework which would include a cultural calendar was intended to project and boost the rich cultural heritage of the state.

He called on tourism stakeholders to join the state government in its drive to restore the state’s lost glory, saying that with the right incentives and proper awareness, tourism could be a major revenue earner not only for Lagos, but for Nigeria as a whole.

“The state Ministry of Tourism will continue to passionately project major festivals such as the ‘Eyo Festival’ and ‘Black Heritage Festival,’ as well as collaborate with major organisations to promote notable festivals to make the state more relevant in tourism development.

“Various tourist destinations are currently being considered in the state, not only to make Lagos achieve its tourism potential but also create employment and generate revenue for the state government,” he said.

Holloway said the state government intended to ensure that unusual festivals and events were properly supported to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Lagos, stressing that the ministry would continue to provide enabling environment for tourism to thrive in the state.

On the recently staged Eyo Festival, he explained that government had upgraded the once indigenous festival to an enviable standard as it now attracted both local and international tourists.