No nairalander in Paris then

6packdude:
Any Nairalander in Paris the 22nd-25th wanna go for a drink? I'm visiting the city and wouldn't mind spending some of the time meeting new people.

They are just being honest

hotelsng:
What are your thoughts?

Jovago my mentor, well done

Jovago:


Packing for a trip within Abuja or beyond should not be a challenge however, for some travellers, this is an uphill task either due to poor planning or lack of know-how. If you find yourself caught in this quagmire, being late to events can quickly become your trademark.

However, if you are not sure whether this is an undiscovered problem you may be dealing with, Jovago.com, Africa’s number 1 hotel booking portal identifies some of the symptoms to watch out for.

Dishevelled wardrobe

The easiest way to know that a person has a packing problem is to take a good look at their wardrobe. Some closets are in a pathetic condition and piles of clothes competing for space can create a feeling of heightened frenzy each time a trip comes round the corner.

Too much luggage


People who pack on too much luggage can not make up their minds about a lot of things in life. Not only will you pay more if you pack beyond the acceptable kilogram of suitcases allowed, you will also be saddled with the responsibility of making sure every item stays safe from theft and damage. Hence, it pays to learn how to carry only the essential items for every journey.

Last minute syndrome

Ignoring your travelling suitcase till the very last minute can be stress-inducing. As with most rush-hour decisions, many items you consider important can get forgotten as you head out the door. Planning your itinerary ahead of time and drafting a list of things that fits your needs for the journey should have you getting your luggage together on time.

Dirty clothes

If you leave dirty clothes for weeks without washing them, you will always have problems with packing. Whether you change clothes daily or do your laundry once a month, if you had to make an emergency trip out of town on a day’s notice, how will you make sound decisions if all your clothes are unclean? If you can get yourself to answer this question honestly, then your problems may just be over.

Its truly quite a lovely hotel. I have a published personal review and rating of them

AOmoniyi:
This hotel is currently the most expensive to book a room or suite in in Nigeria ::: Ultra-luxury is the exact word for Intercontinental Lagos Hotel, a place where a night’s stay may cost more than the average gross salary. An average nightly rate of $ 2,435.00 USD. You must be wondering the type of sleep that you would get there...

To read on and view pictures, click on this link:
http://www.tosmoniyi.com/2015/08/most-expensive-hotel-room-in-nigeria-is.html

Lovely answer. i love the not being extravagant part

Pronmix:
It just might, I don't have to be extravagant.

okay o, think well o; dont take too much time o

Emmyk:
Still thinking about it...

LOL...You want to use one million dollars to tour the whole world and even take your time in each spot and not rush anything. A million dollars is just 200million naira o

burkevalocks:
With a millions dollars I would visit the whole world. Take my time in each spot and not rush anything, enjoy the time actually being there.

Yes they are, but would a million dollars sustain you for 6 months touring the whole Caribbean islands? Dont forget that those places are expensive too

Pronmix:
I'd probably take a six months vacation touring the whole Caribbean islands. Those places are awesome.

That sound cool, i feel you; but if i may ask why those places?

ghanaman5050:
I will visit Aruba and Cayman islands

That sounds cool but why Saudi Arabia if i may ask?

Kagarko:
I will go to Saudi Arabia for vacation.

Well i have never thought about the answer to this question before, but since it has popped up in my head; i would definitely love to visit the Caribbeans, Dubai, Brazil (don't ask me why) & definitely some few tourist attractions in Nigeria , now over to you

Cc lalasticlala, ishilove

Google is your friend

Amen

figo05:
I will confess after i start traveling by air...... I must travel by air this year IJN. Amen

I dont know the cost and proceedure but i believe some posts about giving birth in the USA is already available on nairaland. Search the old posts

Adesiyanj:
Hello House,

Me and my husband just got a Visa to the United States and we intend to give birth there cause of the automatic citizenship for our baby.
However, we would require valid information on cost of hospital bill, procedure to register in the hospital and also the best state to get a reduced cost.

Also, whats the maximum number of weeks my pregnancy must be before it becomes invalid for me to give birth in the States.

Thanks

Enter Ikeja bus, drop at the airport and take a flight to Ireland

JayJustus:




you have to CC lalasticlala ishilove Seun and the rest...that's a faster way hopefully they pay "attention"... by the way I wanna know if you do go around Nigeria and make research about the tourist sites ehhh... we could form a team tho...

Okay, would do just that. i hope they pay attention... yes i have, that was back in school though. I am currently working and would soon embark on some tours again; i will keep you posted.

JayJustus:
as a hospitality student also...i helped you fill in the form too...good luck chap

Thanks bro, I really appreciate. Do you know any way i can encourage people here on nairaland to fill it

Hi friends, some people sent me a message that the link i put up for my opinion poll is not opening on their phones, so i have decided to make a mobile and web friendly one. Please help me with answers to this very short questions. Thank you http:///forms/6OiI71xWHQ

Or you can fill this survey by only commenting the numbers that represent your answer to the questions e.g 1,3,3,2,2; it’s about Tourism in Nigeria. Thank you very much

I am currently doing a research on developing tourism products in Nigeria. The regular excuses have always been Nigeria is not safe, there are bad roads and infrastructure, these attractions are not well developed etc, however history has shown that no tourist destination became a destination overnight. If we can improve on our local consumption of our tourism products, maybe we can create the necessary impetus to further develop the industry. What I am therefore trying to understand (in my own little way) is what you would like to experience as a tourism product in Nigeria, as a small step towards developing and promoting tourism in Nigeria. I believe it can work and would appreciate a few minutes of your time to respond to this questionnaire.


A) Sex*
Male (1)
Female (2)

B) Age*
15-25 (1)
26-35 (2)
36-45 (3)
46-55 (4)
56 and above (5)

C) Highest level of Educational Qualification*
No formal education (1)
Vocational education (2)
Primary (3)
Secondary (4)
Undergraduate (5)
Graduate (6)
Post Graduate (7)

D) Religion*
Christianity (1)
Islam (2)
Others (3)

E) Are you based in Nigeria*
Yes (1)
No (2)

F) How often do you take time out for vacation*
Once a year (1)
Once in 6 months (2)
Once in 3 months (3)
Once a month (4)
Never (5)

G) Have you ever taken a tour of some of the tourist attractions in Nigeria*
Yes (1)
No (2)

H) Would you be willing to take a tour of some of the tourist attractions in South western Nigeria*
Yes (1)
No (2)

I) How many days would you love to spend on a tour of some of the tourist attractions in South Western Nigeria*
A day (1)
2 days (2)
3 days (3)
4 days or more (4)

J) Which would be your preferred days for a tour*
Weekdays (Days between Monday-Friday) (1)
Weekends (Friday - Sunday) (2)

K) How much would you be willing to pay for a quality two day tour*
₦ 20,000 - ₦ 30,000 (1)
₦ 30,000 - ₦ 40,000 (2)
₦ 40,000 - ₦ 50,000 (3)
₦ 50,000 and above (4)

L) What means of payment would you prefer to engage in for a tour*
Online payment (1)
Bank transaction (2)
Cash at the physical office (3)
Payment in installments before the day of departure (4)

M) How would you prefer to go on a tour*
Alone (1)
With Friends and Family (2)

N) What is the number of people you would be willing to take a tour with*
10-20 (1)
20-30 (2)
30-40 (3)
40-50 (4)
Don’t mind the number as long as it’s exciting (5)

O) I would prefer to sleep in the hotel room*
Alone (1)
With my family (2)
With any one as long as they are fun and interesting (3)

P) Would you love a tour where all the itinerary is already taken care of (Good Accommodation, Transportation, Feeding, Security, Entrance fee to tour sites, Provision of Tour guides etc)*
Yes, I would love to only pack my bags (1)
No, I would love to provide some itinerary myself (2)

O) Select all your reasons for going on a tour*
Culture (1)
History (2)
Adventure (3)
Wild life (4)
Night life (5)
Health (6)
Rest (7)
Visiting places i have heard of or seen on TV, or in a movie (.
Returned patronage (9)

You can also fill it here http:///forms/6OiI71xWHQ

Abeg mods this is not an advert o, i am not selling any products o, you can check the link out. Thanks

Tourism brings money into a country. If you pay to fly, let's say, to Nigeria , here's what happens. Nigeria needs an airport to receive flights. Building an airport gives hundreds of people jobs, because
construction workers are needed to perform the fabrication. Then there are thousands of people who get jobs to run the airport. Once you and your friends (and thousands of other people) start flying in to Nigeria, hotels are needed. This means hotel companies come and spend millions of dollars to pay the government of Nigeria for permits to build, they pay construction workers to build the hotels, and they give jobs to people who run the hotels. This all happens even before you travel. Once you're off the plane, you pay the hotels and you spend money to go sightseeing. This pays the salaries of tour guides, boat captains, cab drivers etc. Also while in the country, you'll likely be buying meals and going out for drinks or entertainment or buying souvenirs, all of which give money to the people of Nigeria. So, in essence, in almost any country, tourism is a welcome boost to the country's economy, but especially in countries where there is a high level of poverty and a slow job market, tourism lends millions of dollars to people very much in need of income.

Several important reasons for tourism include:
- Economic development through tourism income
- Promoting concerned central place for business
- Creation of a wide range of jobs
Tourism is important in many ways in the world it can be for leisure,business,education,culture and its fun. It is the very happiest part of the life

Tourism is important because it brings in extra money. People are willing to pay ₦ 2,500 for a ₦1,000 hat that says Nigeria on it. Also, it gives restaurants more customers, because people do not necessarily bring boxes of food, and stove and oven with them on vacation.
The Tourism industry is important for any country as it brings in foreign currency, allows for cultural exchanges between people and creates many working places for the citizens.
importance of tourism
Tourism is vital for many, many countries, some of these countries include:
United States, Kenya, Netherlands, Colombia, Singapore, Ireland, Djibouti, France, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, Thailand, Cypress, Malta, Mexico, Philippines, The Bahamas, Fiji, Maldives, Seychelles: Due to the large intake of money for businesses with their goods and services and the opportunity for employment in service industries associated with tourism.

These service industries include:
* transportation services(airlines, cruise ships and taxis) * hospitality services (accommodations, hotels and resorts) * entertainment venues, (amusement parks, casinos, shopping malls, music venues and the theaters)
Medical Tourism
Over the last few years, medical Tourism has increasingly gained popularity among highly industrialized countries like the United States. Varying reports containing medical tourism statistics put the number of American patients seeking healthcare abroad between 500,000 to 750,000 in 2007.

This is a steady increase from the previous year, which medical experts believed as much as 200,000 to half a million Americans traveled out of the country for medical procedures. These figures indicate a significant growth in the Medical Tourism industry, currently a $20 billion market, which can reach $100 billion by 2012.

In India alone studies conducted by government and private sectors in India estimate that medical tourism could bring between $1 billion and $2 billion US into India by 2012.


Something to think about:
From nomadic tribes to modern, settled populations, people have been traveling for different reasons and to varying degrees. Today, with a world that keep shrinking into a global village mainly through increased traveling and contact, the lines marking off neighbourhood zones have melted, leaving people extremely close to one another with varying consequences.


Tourism as an industry offers a variety of branches:
# Leisure travel: Travel for fun, to relax or escape from the daily routine
# Eco-tourism: travel to delicate and usually protected areas to educate travelers and fundraise for conservation projects.
# Medical tourism: tourists are seeking healthcare treatments
# Cultural tourism: is concerned with a country or region's culture, especially its arts
# Dark tourism: involves visits to "dark" sites, such as battlegrounds, scenes of horrific crimes or acts of genocide All of the above types of tourism bring additional revenues to the economies of the destination city or country, in particular, to its hospitality service industries (restaurants, hotels, transportation). In addition to those revenues, the amounts tourists spend for the specific attractions outlined above bring even more revenues into the destination country's economy.

For example: In India, where the government is investing in the medical tourism industry, it is estimated that medical tourism could bring between $US 1 billion and $2 billion into India by 2012. This figure is based on studies conducted by government and private sectors, based on the current growth rate of medical tourism in India.

Source: http://knowaboutnigeria..com/2015/08/what-are-importance-of-tourism.html#more

The rich History, People and Culture, Geography, Attractions, Eating out, Shopping, Hotels and Gallery- ENUGU STATE
Enugu State – “The Coal City State”

Located in the south-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Enugu State is an inland state with its capital in Enugu city. The state derives its name from the capital city which was established in 1912 as a small coal mining town, but later grew to
become the capital of the former Eastern Region of Nigeria. The people of the state are warm, hospitable and highly enterprising and could be found engaged in trading all over the country.

History
Enugu State was created on August 27, 1991 with the city of Enugu as its capital. In 1967, when the Gowon administration created twelve states in Nigeria, Enugu remained the capital of the East Central State of Nigeria, one of the three states carved out of the former Easthern Region.
Enugu State derives its name from the capital city, ENUGU (top of the hill) which is regarded as the oldest urban area in the Igbo speaking area of Southeast Nigeria. The city owes its geopolitical significance to the discovery of coal in 1909 by a team of British geologists. The discovery of the solid mineral in the area brought about the emergence of a permanent cosmopolitan settlement which influenced the construction of a railway line to link the Enugu coal fields with the sea port in Port Harcourt for the export of the mineral.

People & Culture
The state is predominantly occupied by the Igbo ethnic group, which has two important annual Igbo traditional festivals; the New Yam festival and the Mmanwu festival. The new yam festival also known as ‘iwa ji’, is held between August and October marking the harvesting and feasting of the new yam. The yam is a root vegetable that is the staple crop and a cultural symbol for the Igbo people.
The Mmanwu festival takes place in November and features various types of masquerades that each have a name. This festival is held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu as a parade of carnival-like masquerades that are accompanied by music and it is supported by the Enugu Council of Arts and Culture. Other notable festivals in Enugu include the Enugu Festival of Arts which was established in 1986.
The festival which highlights African culture and traditions is a modern is managed by the Enugu Council of Arts and Culture. The festival has in the past been witnessed by notable figures such as Diana, Princess of Wales who was a notable spectator of the 1990 edition of the festival.

Geography
Enugu State shares borders with Abia State and Imo State to the south, Ebonyi State to the east, Benue State to the northeast, Kogi State to the northwest and Anambra State to the west. Enugu, the capital city of Enugu State, is approximately 2½ driving hours away from Port Harcourt, where coal shipments exited Nigeria.

Weather/Climate
The state is located in a tropical rain forest zone which means that it has a tropical savanna climate. The climate is humid and this humidity is at its highest between March and November. For the whole of Enugu State the mean daily temperature is 26.7 °C (80.1 °F). As in the rest of West Africa, the rainy season and dry season are the only weather periods that recur in the state.
The

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The rich History, People and Culture, Geography, Attractions, Eating out, Shopping, Hotels and Gallery- ANAMBRA STATE
Anambra State – “Light Of The Nation”

Located in the south-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Anambra State is an inland state with its capital in Awka. The people of the state are warm, hospitable and highly enterprising and could be found engaged in trading all over the
country. The state is comprised of 21 local government areas namely Aguata, Anambra, Anambra East, Awka North, Awka South, Anaocha, Ayamelu, Dukunofia, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ojoto, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru, Ekwusigo, Njikoka, Idemili North, Idemili South, Orumba North, Orumba South, Anaocha, and Ihiala.

History
Anambra State was created in 1976 from the old East Central State with its capital at Enugu. A further reorganization of the Nigerian federation in 1991 saw the state divided into two states, Anambra and Enugu states with its new capital at Awka.
People & CultureThe state is predominantly occupied by the Igbo ethnic group who by nature are farmers, fishermen, craftsmen and traders. Among crops grown by farmers in the state are yam, palm produce, rice, cassava, cocoyam, vegetables, and different varieties of fruit trees among others. They are also involved in fishing, particularly those living in the riverine areas of the state, while their craftsmanship are nationally and internationally recognized as evident in the iron smithing works of Awka people, the bronze sculptures of Igbo Ukwu etc.
Anambra state is renowned for its abundant works of art and this explains the avalanche of art centres and artists found in the state. The state is home to magnificent bronze works, iron works, pottery and artists that place the state in the league of the most cultural endowed states in Nigeria.

Geography
Anambra State is located in the south central area of south eastern Nigeria. With Imo State, it forms the heartland of Igbo land. It has an estimated population of 7,821,850 million people which stretches over about 60 kilometers between surrounding communities. It is reputed to have the highest population density in Africa with an estimated density of 1500 – 2000 persons per square kilometer.
The state is bordered by Delta State to the west, Imo State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi State to the north. Though its mineral resources remain untapped, Anambra State is rich in natural gas, crude oil, bauxite, ceramics and arable soil.

Weather/Climate
Anambra State boasts of undulating landscape with tall trees and rich vegetation that is green all year round. The state experiences two major seasons, the rainy season which starts at the end of the month of March and lasts till end of October and the dry season which starts in the month of November and ends in the month of March. It

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The rich History, People and Culture, Geography, Attractions, Eating out, Shopping, Hotels and Gallery- EBONYI STATE
Ebonyi State – “The Salt Of The Nation”

Located in south-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Ebonyi State was created in 1996 and it is called “the salt of the nation” for its huge salt deposit at the Okposi and Uburu salt lakes. The state is divided into thirteen local government
areas which include Abakaliki, Afikpo South, Afikpo North, Ebonyi, Effium, Ezza, Ezza South, Ikwo, Ishielu, Ivo, Ohaozara, Ohaukwu and Onicha.

History
Ebonyi State is one of six new states created in 1996 late General Sanni Abacha’s administration when it was carved out of the old Abakaliki division of Enugu State and the old Afikpo division of Abia State.

People & Culture
Ebonyi State has an estimated population of 4,339,136 based on the 2005 census and the inhabitants are spread across 5,935 square kilometers. The state is predominantly dominated by the Igbos with other minority ethnic groups from neighbouring states.
The people of the state are predominantly farmers and traders. The main crops produced in the state are rice, yam, palm produce, cocoa, maize, groundnut, plantain, banana, cassava, melon, sugar cane, beans, fruits and vegetables. Fishing is also carried out in Afikpo.

Geography
With a land area of about 5,935 sq. km, Ebonyi State is popularly known as the ‘Salt of the Nation’ apparently because of the large deposits of salt water in the state. The State shares a border with Benue State to the North, Enugu State to the west, Imo and Abia States to the south and Cross River State to the east.

Weather/Climate
The tropical climate of the state is broadly of two seasons which are the rainy season between April and October and dry season between November and March. A temperature throughout the year ranges between 21 °C to 29 °C and humidity is relatively high. The

Continue reading here: http://knowaboutnigeria..com/2015/08/the-36-states-of-nigeria-history-people_21.html#more

The rich History, People and Culture, Geography, Attractions, Eating out, Shopping, Hotels and Gallery- IMO STATE
Imo State – “Eastern Heartland”

Located in south-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Imo State, which derives its name from Imo River, was created in 1976 and it is nicknamed “eastern heartland”. The state is divided into twenty
seven local government areas which include Aboh-Mbaise, Ahizau-Mbaise, Ehime-Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato-North, Ideato-South, Ihitte/Uboma, Ikeduru, Isiala-Mbano, Isu, Mbaitoli, Ngor-Okpala, Njaba, Nkwerre, Nkwangele, Obowo, Oguta, Ohaji-Egbema, Okigwe, Onuimo, Orlu, Orsu, Oru-East, Oru-West, Owerri -Municipal, Owerri-North and Owerri-West.

History
The area known as Imo State today was originally part of the defunct East Central State which was one of the twelve states initially created in 1967 by General Yakubu Gowon’s regime. The old Imo State which originally included Abia province was later created in 1976 before Abia State was carved out of the state in 1991 by General Ibrahim Babangida. Imo State derived its name from Imo River, which takes it course from the Okigwe/Akwa upland.

People & Culture
Imo State has an estimated population of about 4.8 million and the population density varies from 230-1,400 people per square kilometer. The state is culturally homogeneous as it is a predominantly Igbo speaking state with minor differences in dialects. Imo State has a very rich cultural heritage and this is manifested in dressing, music, dance, festivals, arts and crafts, and the traditional hospitality of the people.

Geography
Covering an area of about 5,100sq km, Imo State lies within latitudes 4°45’N and 7°15’N, and longitude 6°50’E and 7°25’E. It occupies the area between the lower River Niger and the upper and middle Imo River. The state is bounded on the east by Abia State, on the west by the River Niger and Delta State; and on the north by Anambra State, while Rivers State lies to the south.

Weather/Climate
The rainy season is between March and October or early November and rainfall is often at its maximum at night and during the early morning hours. However, variations occur in rainfall amount from year to year as annual rainfall usually varies from 1,990 mm to 2,200 mm.
Temperatures are similar all over the state with hottest months between January and March. The

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The rich History, People and Culture, Geography, Attractions, Eating out, Shopping, Hotels and Gallery- ABIA STATE
ABIA STATE- “ GOD’S OWN STATE’’

Located in south-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Abia State was created out of the old Imo in 1991 with its capital is Umuahia. The state is divided into seventeen local government areas which include
Aba-North, Aba-South, Arochukwu, Bende, Ikwuano, Isala-Ngwa North, Isiala-Ngwa South, Isikwato, Umu-Nneochi, Obi Ngwa, Ohafia, Osisoma Ngwa, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa-East, Ukwa-West, Umuahia-North, Umuahia-South.

History
Abia State was carved out of Imo State on 27th August, 1991. The name ‘Abia’ is an acronym from the first letters of four groups of people – Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato and Afikpo now in Ebonyi State. Abia State was carved out of the former Imo State in 1991.

People & Culture
Abia people are of the Igbo ethnic group who predominates much of the Southeastern part of Nigeria. Their traditional language is Igbo with English widely spoken and serves as the official language in governance and business. Globally, Igbos are well travelled. Abia’s 2.4m people are mainly Christians and entrepreneurial. They are known and reputed to be industrious, highly market oriented, very hospitable and accommodating, probably due to their migratory nature.

Geography
Covering a total of 5,243.7sqkm land area, Abia State is bounded on the north and northeast by the states of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi respectively. To the west is Imo State, to the east and southeast are Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State, and to the south is Rivers State. The southern part of the State lies within the riverine part of Nigeria. It is low-lying with a heavy rainfall of about 2400 mm/year especially intense between the months of April through October.

Weather/Climate
There are two seasons in the year, namely: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season begins in March and ends in October with a break in August usually referred to as the “little dry season.” The dry season which lasts for four months begins in November. Heavy thunderstorm are characteristic of the onset of the rainy season.
The total rainfall decreases from 2200mm in the ie south to 1900mm in the north. The

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Bismarck Rewan
THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA IS NOT CONTRIBUTING THE DESIRED INPUT TO THE COUNTRY’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT. IN THIS INTERVIEW, BISMArCK REWANE, THE
FOREMOST FINANCIAL ANALYST AND PUBLISHER OF TRAVELNOMIKS, A QUARTERLY ON-LINE MAGAZINE AIMED AT ELEVATING THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS ABOUT DEVELOPMENTS IN AVIATION, TRAVEL AND TOURISM, TALKS TO OMOLOLA ITAYEMI ABOUT WHY NIGERIA IS NOT CONSIDERED BY MANY AS TOURISM DESTINATION. HE ALSO TALKS ABOUT WHY TOURISM HAS BEEN CONTRIBUTING MARGINALly TO NIGERIA’S GDP

Why is tourism contributing marginally to the fortunes of this country and why is it that even those that come for business travel do not take out time to actually explore the tourism opportunities of this country?
My understanding is that we have not made tourism a major goal in this country. We have not even started nurturing our historical and anthropological assets to position them to become attractive. If you take the budget of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and compare it to the budget of the Ministry of Petroleum or Defense, the story is told. In terms of revenue and contribution to economic activity, tourism contributes little or nothing. First of all, Nigeria is not considered by many even domestically as a destination for rest or relaxation or as a destination for historical, cultural or anthropological discovery or excursions.
There are no safaris, there are hardly any zoos, there are no cultural events, even though the history and culture is there, they have all been abandoned. So, it’s more of a strategic loss than anything else. Now, the infrastructure that supports tourism doesn’t exist. If you’re arriving at the airport or you go to any Nigerian website, there is no reference to places like the Yankari Game Reserve, Benin Moat. Something as simple as the Civil war, a civil war that everybody and history books refer to and many were killed. Where is the Biafran airport, where are the bunkers where the soldiers hid, where are the refugee camps; all these should have been preserved for history. Where are the historical lineages? Where was the Olu of Warri’s palace n 1400, 600 to 700 years ago?
I go to Egypt and I see all these in spite of their crises. Tourism is still going on there just as in Kenya, Gambia and Senegal. It’s an objective that is driven by the government as an alternative source of income especially with the threat of oil revenue going down. I know there are major security issues but that is recent. But even in the past as a student way back, I went on excursions to the Kukuruku Hills, Forcados Reef and Escravos. People went on excursions to Jos, Yankari Game Reserve etc. When I was a student years ago, I hitchhiked all the way to Ndjamena (Chad) from Ibadan with some American friends of mine on exchange program. I went all the way to Kaduna, to Maiduguri, crossed Cameroun. We used the New Nigeria newspaper delivery vehicles to take us across and went back with them and that used to be in the seventies. That doesn’t exist any more. That is tourism. I found out I could go into Cameroun and Chad, crossing the river. All of these we all did in search of the history and culture of the Sahel. This doesn’t exist again.
For a number of reasons, if my son tells me he wants to hitch hike to Chad now, I will say no. because I am afraid of what will happen with Boko Haram, I’m afraid of kidnapping from MEND and all the other people. I’m afraid of police brutality and what will happen across the border. So, where is the motivation? We need to step back and start doing simple things. How do we even nurture the historical and cultural things in this part of the country? Luckily Lagos has done the Eyo festival well.
The hostile attitude of Nigerian officials starting from the embassies and at the airport must change. Tourism does not exist in a vacuum. The environment is hostile even to some indigenes not to talk of visitors. It’s a fundamental shift that has to take place before you can begin to see results and it’s a long, long process.
The Federal Government of recent unveiled a new tourism brand identity for the nation’s tourism sector termed ’Fascinating Nigeria.’ It said it would drive the promotional activities of the government in the culture and tourism sector and put Nigeria at par with countries like South Africa with ‘It’s Possible’ as its brand identity. Do you think we are on the right path?
You see, we have to do our domestic homework and make this country attractive for domestic travel, from one point in the country to the other. If we don’t address that, the question of international tourism cannot arise. If indigenous/domestic investors cannot invest in the market, we cannot expect foreign investors to do same.
I believe strongly that a lot of house cleaning needs to be done first. Then, we need to project the image. Nobody believes in the hospitality and friendliness of the Nigerian people. From the Nigerian police service to immigrations, no Nigerian believes it, not to talk of foreigners. Let’s have some credibility in what we are doing. The Nigerian government, federal and state, want to encourage tourism. Let us see the effect of it, let it be easy for me to go to your state.
Travelling from Lagos to Delta State is fraught with issues when it should be seamless. The moment I cross into Ogun State, the first thing the FRSC (Federal Road Safety Corps) will ask me is for vehicle license. Then, when I get to Ondo State, they’ll ask for another thing like my fire extinguisher and it goes on and on. And it’s not restricted to one agency alone. There’s a host of them on the road. Security agencies that are recruited to protect us have become extortionists. That’s the truth.

Continue reading here: http://knowaboutnigeria..com/2015/08/why-nigeria-is-not-considered-tourism.html#more

Little attention has been given to purposefully investigating the roles and responsibilities of local government in addressing sustainable development within tourism destination contexts. Governments
nevertheless have a critical role in creating the context and stimulating actions to ensure that tourism is more sustainable in the future. Local government has become an important arena for discussions about the interpretation and implementation of sustainable development. Discussions at international and national levels reinforce the importance of local government because it is at this local level that local policy debates unfold and decisions about resource use are made. Governments should provide an environment that enables and encourages the private sector, local community, tourists and other stakeholders to respond to sustainability issues. This can best be achieved by establishing and implementing a set of policies for tourism development and management, drawn up in concert with others. The principles of sustainable development put emphasis on local determination and implementation of policies and actions. This should be placed within a supportive national policy framework. Indeed, it is often local governments which assume much of this responsibility as they are closest to many of the problems associated with tourism development and they control most of the development planning aspects associated with tourism. Local governance get fast information’s about the problems that have the community. Also local governance know with details natural resources and human capital so through the careful assessment it can plan the future to help the community in employments, local business, infrastructures etc. Local governments are faced with a range of challenges to the effective planning and management of tourism at their destination level. The most important challenge is that of integrating the management of tourism with other functions and activities of local government. Table indicates some areas of local government responsibilities as they relate to tourism

Read more here: http://knowaboutnigeria..com/2015/08/the-role-and-responsibilities-of-local.html#more

cc: lalasticlala ishilove please come give Introvert job o, she don tire for FTC

The Long JuJu Shrine of Arochukwu
Arochukwu is the third largest town in Abia State (after Aba and Umuahia) in southeastern Nigeria and is a famous tourist destination as the cave of the famous long juju oracle is a
particular attraction. It is originally, a religious centre with a well-laid down administrative structure headed by a Chief Priest. The cave is believed to hold the long metal pipe through which the gods speak to the people, and was used to judge the perpetrators of crimes in the old time. A dark kilometre-long series of tunnels, some deeply mysterious features of the shrine include the Throne of Judgement, where ‘Chukwu’ would decide on the fate of a person, the Tunnel of Disappearance, and the Red River, which would turn coloured when a person was killed. What makes this shrine, also known as Ibinu Ukpabi, a spectacular historical site in the region is the role it played in the slave trade era and thus the impact it made in Nigeria’s history.In the 15th Century, when the slave trade was introduced, West African middlemen used it to their advantage, as the condemned were no longer killed inside the shrine, but secretly sold on into slavery. The mystic Long-Juju shrine, the slave routes and other relics of the slave trade era have become important tourist attractions in the area as a result of what they represent in Nigeria’s history.
Mbari Cultural Centre
Mbari is a traditional arts and crafts center retained by the Imo State council for Arts and Culture. Situated at Ikenegbu in Central Owerri, Mbari, it is an open air museum that houses monumental arts depicting the culture, tradition and history of the Igbo people. Sometimes referred to as the ‘house of gods’, it is a huge tourist attraction. Although Mbari is a monumental art sacrifice to “ALA” the earth goodness, it also shelters artistic representations – artefacts as well as sculptures- which tell of the prevalent social life of the Igbos and images of other prominent deities that inhabit the traditional Igbo cosmic system. These deities include Amadioha (the god of thunder), Ogwugwu (the god of the forest), Nwaorie (the goddess of Nwaorie River), Ahiajoku (the god of harvest), etc. Closely attached to each deity are images of animals such as monkeys, tortoise, rams, snakes and owls, believed to represent errand spirits or mystical messengers of the deities. There are also images of Ikoro, the Igbo traditional instrument for communicating messages; unfamiliar creatures such as the ostrich (Enyi Nnunu); a certain tall figure representing Alakuko, allegedly the tallest man in Igboland; ‘Onye afo toro’, a man whose stomach became bloated because he committed an abomination against Ala, etc Contrary to general assumption, Mbari Cultural Centeris neither a centre for idol worship nor an idol in itself. It is an art form that has its origin very deep in Igbo cultural and religious beliefs and practices. The Mabari cultural centre is a three dimensional cultural facility, made up of the Mbari House, Mbari Museum Kitchen and an amphitheatre, and definitely a must-see location.
lgbo-Ukwu Museum
The Igbo-Ukwu museum is in Ngo village, Igbo-ukwu, Anambara state. The town, Igbo-Ukwu is of great historical and cultural significance in Igbo land as it is notable for bronze artifacts from a very sophisticated bronze metal-working culture centuries before other known bronzes of the region. It is in recognition of this that the Federal Government in Nigeria granted approval for the hosting of an annual National New Yam Festival in Igbo- Ukwu to promote the culture and tradition of Ndigbo and new yam festival. The festival takes place at National Yam House built by the Federal Government in Igbo- Ukwu since 2005. The Igbo-Ukwu bronze treasures were accidentally discovered by a worker who was hired to dig a cistern by Mr. Isaiah Anozie during dry season in 1939 . Subsequent archaeological excavations of the area led by Professor Thurstan Shaw led to the discovery of other sites , making a total of three sites: Igbo Isaiah (a shrine), Igbo Richard (a burial chamber), and Igbo Jonah (a cache). Among the recovered object include a ritual Pottery Vessel, Scabbard, Pendant with rams head, Human face with scarification, Bronze bowl and a pear – shaped bowl. While some of these artefact have been exported and some lost, the Museum plays a significant role in preserve the remaining Igbo ukwu pieces, indigenous productions, which are vital to discerning the ancient history of not only Igbos as well as human existence within ancient Africa. lgbo-Ukwu Museum has remained an attraction to tourists mostly because of its bronze artifacts.It is great place to visit as the bronze pieces are a sight to behold.
National War Museum Umuahia
National War Museum Amafor Isingwu Umuahia is a museum set up to exhibit relics used during Nigeria’s Civil war of 1967. The museum has the largest collection of the Nigerian civil war weapons that are no longer in used. The weapons are from both the Nigerian military and the defunct Biafra. Commissioned in 1985, the museum is located at Ebite Amafor in Isingwu Autonomous Community in the Umuahia North Local Government Area. The museum’s location was chosen because it was where the bunker housing the famous shortwave radio “the Voice of Biafra” was transmitted from. It has three galleries featuring items on the traditional warfare, armed forces and Nigerian civil war weapons. War relics in the museum include weapons used during the pre-colonial civil disturbances, warfare materials used during communal and inter-tribal wars and those of the Nigerian civil war. The Museum Complex opens at 10am and closes at 6pm daily with a gate fee of N100. For those who did not experience the civil war, they may not get a mental picture of how it occurred without visiting the museum. And for those who did, they could relive the period by visiting the museum. It is a perfect way to gain firsthand knowledge of the civil war, a huge part of Nigeria’s history. It is certainly a place to go.
Ogbunike Cave
ogbunike-cave-780x520The Ogbunike Cave is a major tourist site in Eastern Nigeria situated in a valley behind the Ogba Hills, Anambra State. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the cave consists of a network of sandstone chambers and tunnels, and is regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest geographical masterpiece. Cocooned in a valley with tropical rain forest and buffered by 20 hectares of lush vegetation, the caves are occupied by colonies of bats while the surrounding rainforest is home to antelopes, deers, alligators, porcupines and snakes. The collection of caves has been in use over centuries by local people for whom it has particular spiritual significance. Descending into the valley where the caves are located is a lengthy walkway made up of about 317 steps. The caves consist of 10 tunnels and a main chamber which snake their way underneath the hillside. The tunnels are filled with streams and small pools, and within the tunnels are big chambers as well as other tunnels of varying lengths, some of which are inter connected. A stream flows out from one of the tunnels into a rapid flowing river (River Nkissa). At the meeting point of the river and the stream one can feel the warm water from the caves and the cold river water. The “Ime Ogbe” celebration is undertaken every year to commemorate the discovery of the caves. Local history records that Ogbunike’s ancestors hid from raiding slave traders in the caves. There are so many other interesting tales told about the cave and the locals are always willing to share these stories. The site has sufficient boundaries to protect its values from direct effects of human encroachment. The Ogbunike Cave is certainly a place anyone would want to visit and explore. Tradition demands that visitors remove their shoes before entering the caves, and women who are having their monthly circle cannot go in. It is however advisable that visitors bring a torch and light water proof covering.
Mungo Park House
Mungo Park House, also known as National Museum Asaba, is tucked behind the Delta State High Court and the state Library Board complex along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Delta state Nigeria. Although named after Mungo Park, the man who discovered River Niger, the prominent colonial vestige of pre-fabricated wooden storey building was never owned or visited by Mungo Park. The house was constructed by the Royal Niger Company (RNC) in 1886 and served as the first British administrative headquarters in the country and invariably the first government house in Nigeria. The Mungo Park House offers education on Nigeria’s rich historical background (mainly that of trade and investment in pre-colonial era) and journey to civilization. Although some parts of the building are slowly dilapidating due to the elements (weather corrosion), it is definitely a place to visit. The museum is also just a few blocks from the popular Grand Hotel, Asaba.
Awhum Waterfall & Cave
Located at Amaugwe village of Awhum town in Udi Local Government Area, the Awhum waterfall and Cave is as a popular tourist site in Enugu, Nigeria. A result of a titanic outcrop of granite rock with water tumbling from the top to form a stream, the waterfall is beautiful at any time of the year. While a section of the waterfall is always warm through the season, the water is said to be therapeutic (have healing power) and capable of vanquishing evil or satanic forces if and wherever sprinkled. Awhum waterfall is 30 metres high and is located close to Awhum Monastery. It takes about 45 minutes’ walk from the parking spot to the fall, but it is worth the trek.

Images of the first four are shown below

Source: http://knowaboutnigeria..com/2015/08/7-must-see-places-in-eastern-nigeria.html#more

crazydove:
If nairaland members catch you eh lols.you don't know how NL members hate travel hate travel agent.

I dont know they hated travel agents o, am only trying to promote our local tourism

INTROVERT:
u for try add pics....

pictures have been added