By Stanley Ugagbe
In recent years, Tourism has become one of the key sectors that nations are exploring to aid economic growth. While some nations have harnessed the potentials in the sector which have in turn reverberated their economies, others are yet to fully tap into the benefits that are buried in the sector.
Nigeria has been adjudged as one of the nations which have not really tapped into the sector’s potentials. It is this need to reposition the Nigerian tourism industry for economic growth that culminated to part of the reasons that propelled Dennis Okeke into the sector.
Dennis, a native of Anambra State is an enthusiast who is passionate about Tourism. The Lagos State Polytechnic graduate has carved a niche for himself in the industry.
He has a clear cut goal to promote domestic Tourism not just in Nigeria, but Africa. As evident in his numerous tours so far, Dennis has a strong conviction to use Tourism to reposition Africa at the International frontiers as a continent with rich reserve centers and change the narrative for good.
In this interview with our correspondent, Dennis shared his experience so far.
May we meet you?
I am Dennis Great Okeke. I am the Chief Executive Officer of Big Time Africa Travels.
Why tourism?
I love tourism and my aim is to showcase to the world how beautiful Africa is; not just that but also to travel round the world and understand the culture, tradition, and history of any place I visit. To me Tourism is life.
How has been the journey so far?
Well, the journey has not been easy but because of the passion I have for tourism and what I hope to achieve I see the journey as exciting. Each of the journeys I have embarked on has been very interesting. Tourism has been my area of specialization from the aviation school I attended. My goal is to promote every tourist site for recognition round the world.
What are the challenges?
My challenge so far is finances to explore the various places I have earmarked to tour. I need funds to transport, lodge, and also eat. Another challenge is insecurity in different tour sites and because of insecurity so many private investors are not willing to partner us. Again, most roads leading to some of the tour centers are in deplorable condition and that is a huge challenge.
What has been your role in nation building?
I have been promoting tourism market to the world, letting the world to know more about our tour centers in Nigeria, to show the world how beautiful the tour centers in the country are. The idea is to attract foreign investors as well as foreign tourists and you know the impact this can have on the economy.
How do you see the Nigerian tourism industry and how can it be leveraged to attract tourists across the globe?
I see Nigeria tourism industry as the next oil revenue and the only way to meet up across the globe is by marketing it out to the world. The truth is proper investment in the tourism sector can bring about economic recovery and growth. We need to reposition the industry so as to harness the enormous benefits in the sector.
What are the government not doing right when it comes to tourism and what can be done to right the wrongs?
The government has been doing nothing. Most of the roads to these tour centers are very bad and there are no accommodation in these tour sites. The government needs to learn from countries such as UAE and start working towards making the industry an economic hub. I pray that soon we will have an experienced minister of tourism in Nigeria who understands the relevance of the sector.
How is your brand different from others?
First, let me note that my brand is into travel consultancy, tour operator, travel agency, travel blog, tour guide etc. We cover lots of things people should know about tourism.
