'Nigerians spend N750 million on tourism in Dubai annually' - Adalikwu

The director made this known in Abuja yesterday at the unveiling Renny Travels, an online platform which is a subsidiary of RennyWorld Travels and Tours.

“In the first of July 2016, Dubai introduced $10 per ticket, so anybody travelling there will pay $10 on every ticket purchased; so If you multiply $10 ×250, 000 Nigerians, its $2.5 million and if you convert it to N300 per dollar official rate, it will give you, N750 million. He said given the indices that Nigeria was paying N750 million annually to Dubai tourism aside shopping and accommodation, if the money was incorporated in the travel agency that it would be a significant contribution to the Nigerian economy," Adalikwu said.

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The Director emphasised that Nigeria is the largest spender in the UK travel and tour industry, calling on stakeholders to develop Nigeria's tourism industry.

Stating that Nigeria adds about 40% to South Africa tourism, he described the tourism sector as a flexible sector that can accommodate as much expansion and business interests as possible.

He however remained optimistic that the Federal Government through the responding government agency, the Nigeria Tourism and Development Corporation (NTDC), would provide a veritable platform for stakeholder and investors to help them key into the market as part of plans by the Muhammadu Buhari-led government to diversify the Nigerian economy away from oil.