Harnessing the Potentials of Tourism in Nigeria through Public Relations

Abstract

It is not in doubt that Nigeria is endowed with vast, diverse and captivating tourism resources that have the ability of transforming positively the nation’s socioeconomic sector if properly managed and harnessed for the common good. Unfortunately, despite the availability of these enormous tourism potentials, we are not benefiting in any measure as governments of the three tiers, that is federal, state and local, do not even consider tourism or its development as a viable source of foreign exchange earnings and a catalyst for national development in this period of severe economic challenges confronting the nation. The first sign of lethargy is the conspicuous absence of strong institutions or policies that ought to be the fulcrum of the development of the tourism industry in the country. It is common knowledge that Nigeria is assailed by security challenges in virtually every part of the country. Apart from insecurity, the country is equally challenged by endemic corruption, kidnapping, terrorism and poor governance which is preventing it from developing a globally competitive tourism industry. This paper examines ways in which tourism policy, if well planned and effectively executed, will benefit the socioeconomic sector. It also highlights major challenges hindering the tourism industry and how effective and efficient public relations practices will create sufficient awareness on the problems and solutions in the industry. Findings revealed that the major setback faced by the tourism industry is lack of government interest in all ramifications.