Onyema Urges Tour Operators to Promote Nigerian Destinations

Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, has called on Nigerian tour operators to take a more proactive role in promoting the country's diverse tourist attractions. Speaking at the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) annual general meeting, Onyema stressed that developing and marketing these sites could significantly boost foreign exchange earnings and enhance Nigeria's global image.

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Nigeria should be intentional in promoting its tourist attractions to the world. In the North we have Durbar festival, which is growing in popularity. It should be promoted. When they do carnival in the Caribbean, all of us will be running to go to the Caribbean for carnival. Calabar Carnival and Durbar festival are so beautiful to watch.

Onyema highlighted several untapped potentials, including the Durbar festival in the North and the historical palaces of Emirs. He suggested that with strategic investment in infrastructure, such as creating theater-like auditoriums, these locations could become major attractions, drawing international visitors eager to experience traditional administration and culture. He drew a parallel with the popularity of Caribbean carnivals, suggesting Nigerian festivals like the Calabar Carnival and Durbar festival possess similar appeal.

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When you go to the palaces of the Emirs in the North, that is another thing to be sold to tourists. If the government and the private sector can invest into the development of those palaces, they will become money spinners, foreign exchange earners for the country because all you need to do is to set up a theatre-like auditorium.

Furthermore, Onyema addressed the issue of negative self-portrayal, criticizing Nigerians who he believes exaggerate the country's security challenges. He argued that this constant projection of fear deters international visitors, investors, and even airline crews, creating unnecessary anxieties. Onyema stated that while insecurity is a genuine concern, the excessive negative narrative damages Nigeria's tourism potential and economic prospects. He urged for a shift in focus towards promoting the nation's positive attributes to foster patriotism and encourage development.

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Foreigners will pay to come and watch how the Emirs and ministers carry out traditional administration of justice in their domain. People will be willing to pay to go to those palaces to see them and watch culture being exhibited.