Image by Oladapo Olusola from Pixabay

We have heard the common saying that Nigeria is a land of opportunities, time and again but many of us limit the veracity of that statement to mean just thriving within the ambit of the formal sector. However, many people are smiling to the bank in areas we pay little or no attention to, one of which is the tourism sector.

Nigeria is blessed with many destinations that can pass for modern day wonders of the world, doubt me? Then, let me ask if you heard of the Ikogosi Warm Spring where cold and hot waters formed by nature meet to produce a warm spring? You have not, right? It is right here in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria. What of Keana in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria, famed for its high quality table salt production so much so that it has as its nickname Salt village of Nasarawa State? Both examples are just a figment of the natural wonders that Nigeria is endowed with; as at last count, Nigeria possesses nothing less than 100 tourist destinations existing naturally for the admiration of men and women alike.

The plethora of the tourist destinations available at Nigeria’s disposal, opens a business window to many provided, we are able to see far beyond the surface level. Hundreds of foreigners throng the shores of the country for several reasons ranging from business to religious fulfillment, holidaying and so on, and these visitors can be exposed to the good we have as a nation by way of making our tourist spots known and visible.

It is not only the foreigners that can be exposed to the amazing landscapes and nature offerings the country has on offer; Nigerians also have a reason to be shown the wonderful destinations that we have here. Many Nigerians want to go on getaways from the regular city spots and a good tourist arrangement can give them that unforgettable experience they so desire.

What Nigeria possesses in abundance of natural gifting, She has even more in human offerings. Nigerians are highly accommodating and with the right framework, people can leave their familiar territories and move to new lands are will be welcomed by natives who will give them a wonderful experience. On many occasions, I have had to leave my family and move to places I have never been to before and I have had some of the best days of my life (I am currently serving the nation in Nasarawa State, a state I have never been to before and I must confess it has been an amazing time so far).

Artificial set-ups and contrivances like hotels, markets, malls, and the wonderful nightlife in different cities of the country can be maximized profitably. Several markets provide an opportunity to explore the numerous goods we have on display and there are parties and events that happen regularly on weekends and at nights, that are second to none anywhere in the world.

Having seen all of these, one might begin to wonder about the difficulty of setting up a tourist company that can cater for the tourist needs of people. To venture into the business of tourism does not require you to provide the wings of a Lion or the thighs of a mosquito; it is relatively as easy as setting up any other business we so desire.

To do this, get your business or company registered with the appropriate authorities, make your company seen and heard as you are trying to leverage on the relative unawareness that many people have, ensure your provide packages for your customers or tourists that will keep coming back (say give out starter packs or hampers at the end of your tour), ensure your visits come adequate security, be open minded to new ideas, and you will be hitting it big in the tourism sector. You can also be tourist agent, travel blogger, business owner at tourist hangouts, etc. And make as much impact as you can being a tourism company owner.

From Akwanga to Abuja, Port Harcourt to Potiskum, Ibadan to Ibeno, there is an outlet begging to be explored and it will take people who willing to go beyond the ordinary to eat from the bounty of the Nigeria’s tourism industry. The question is how soon are you starting?

IamChijamz, Wishing you a Prosperous time in Nigeria.