Minister says UN Tourism Agency to help boost tourism in Nigeria

Nigeria's Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is to work with the government to boost tourism in the country.

Mohammed, met with UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai at the UNWTO Commission for Africa meeting in Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire.

He revealed that the global tourism agency agreed to design a two-year Plan of Action to promote tourism in Nigeria.

He also added that he was invited to the organisation's headquarters in Spain, during which he is expected to meet with the UNWTO, private sector investors and Spanish government officials.

The visit would be followed by that of the Secretary-General to Nigeria for on-the-spot assessment of the challenges mitigating against the development of tourism in the country.

Speaking on the relations between Nigeria and the UNWTO, Rifai said:

"We are happy Nigeria is here. Nigeria is too significant to disconnect from UNWTO. Happily, the new government in Nigeria has a good reputation,'"

The UNWTO is the leading tourism international organisation, promoting tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability.

It also provides leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies globally.