By Idris Olukoya
A renowned hotelier, Mr Ini Akpabio, on Tuesday advised local councils to explore tourism potential at the grassroots to improve their internally generated revenue.
Akpabio, the Group Managing Director, Nanet Hotels and Suits, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
According to him, much tourism assets and potential in rural areas have yet to be tapped.
“There is no local government in this country not blessed with tourism potential; therefore, there is the need to explore tourism potential at the grassroots,” he said.
“Local governments should engage in public/private partnership to develop tourism.
“If this can be done, it will attract tourists to the localities, increase revenue and create employments for the indigenes and to Nigerians at large,” he said.
Akpabio also urged the Federal Government to encourage tourism experts to develop domestic tourism.
“Local experts know much about domestic tourism potential/assets and the solutions to tourism challenges,” he said.
Akpabio said that local practitioners were ready to collaborate with the government to develop tourism and attract local and international tourists.
