The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary General, Mr Zurab Pololikashvilli has
underscored the role of tourism as a driver of growth and opportunity for employment creations.
Pololikashvilli disclosed this on Monday in Lagos, at the opening of an expert workshop of the Organisation’s maiden Global Conference on Linking Tourism, Culture and the Creative Industry.
He said there was a huge talent pool in the continent that was waiting to be tapped as well as a lot of opportunities and space for investments in the sector.
“I am therefore very happy that we want to use these three days here in Nigeria to talk to discuss, to entertain ourselves
He maintained that Nigeria was chosen to present African culture to the world because of its rich cultural heritage and its comparative advantage in the creative industry.
Pololikashvili who decried that African culture was not presented outside of the country said the strategy adopted by the UNWTO to address the challenge was to come under one umbrella with their partners to hold the maiden conference to agree on the modalities to promote African culture outside of the continent.
“I do not think that there is a better place to start the legacies than Nigeria and at this vertical theatre, a historical landmark of the country undergoing renovation.
“We want to support and promote African culture and creative industry to tourists all around the world.
So, our presence here today is the first pilot project to promote the culture of Africa, from Nigeria,” he said
