The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says Nigeria will host the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Regional Conference in 2022 but admits that foreigners visit the country more for business than for tourism.

The minister disclosed this in Sal Island, Cape Verde, after a meeting with the secretary-general of the UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili.

After meeting the UNWTO secretary-general, Mr Mohammed said the regional conference would focus on tourism and the creative industry.

He pointed out that the government chose the tourism and creative industry because of Nigeria’s comparative advantage and strong points in films, music, and fashion.

“Comparatively, Nigeria is not very strong in destination tourism though the country attracts many travellers who are more on businesses,” Mr Mohammed added. “Nigeria is better known for its music, films and culture; and Nigeria music and films are exported for foreign exchange.”

He supported his position by referencing the Grammys won recently by Nigerian artistes.

“There are many Nigerian artistes that have gained global recognition, among whom are Burna Boy and Whiz Kid, who won the latest Grammy awards in different categories,’’ Mr Mohammed explained.

The UNWTO, founded on November 1, 1975, is the UN specialised agency for promoting responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

Mr  Mohammed is in Sal Island, with other African culture and tourism ministers, to attend the 64th conference of the UNWTO Commission for Africa and the second edition of the UNWTO Global Tourism Investment Forum.

The minister also noted that Burna Boy, a Nigerian entertainment superstar, recently sold out at the 02 Arena in London. Burna Boy was reported to have “shut down 02 Arena with incredible 12,000 tickets sale for his concert held on August 27.”

The 61st edition of the ongoing UNWTO Commission for Africa conference was held in Nigeria in 2018.

(NAN)