The basic objectives of the Lagos Roundtable is to put the Lagos tourism in both public and private sectors, back on track with the view to consolidating the industry’s position in the state and to re-engineer a new direction and trajectory of progression after the COVID-19 pandemic, for accelerated recovery – Dr. Babatunde Mesewaku (FITPN), chairman, Organising Committee.
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The unforgettable event took place at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos from November 24 to 25, 2022 as perfectly hosted by the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN). The success level so far recorded, with regards to the twin  factors of tourism and transportation by Governor Sanwo-Olu has to do with his administration’s priority focus on the Themes Agenda, with the first letter T standing for both elements, to achieving  sustainable economic development.

Furthermore, is the importance of collaborative efforts with related agencies, including the security arms such as the Police, the Customs, Immigration and the Navy. Through that Lagos, as at this day, remains the safest haven in the country. But all hands must be on deck to sustain the success recorded.

The critical role security plays in enhancing tourism was aptly captured by the odious incident that took place at the port of Marrakech in Morocco, a few years back as terrorists struck leaving six people dead and 22 injured. It took the city 24 months to recover from the attack, as it lost 50 per cent of its potential tourists.
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In 2014, Lagos was ranked as the fourth most visited city in Africa with 1.3 million international travellers up from the figure recorded in 2013. This was based on a transport system that is safe, reliable and environmentally-friendly. The intermodal concept has brought in both the blue- and red-line systems of transport in places such as Oyingbo, Yaba, Ikeja and Iju.

In his thought-provoking input, a security consultant asked some salient questions: To begin with, is the police doing enough for tourism? He wondered if indeed there was adequate funding for the sector? Do tourists visit our dilapidated Police Colleges? Do we communicate the reality of tourism to the people through the host communities?

The human element is therefore the most important, as hotels must have high quality management system.  As agreed by the stakeholders, there should be proper planning, inclusiveness, application of industry models and strong legal framework.

Now is the time to put square pegs in square holes, beginning of course, with the Local Government Tourism Committee and the Lagos Tourism Investment Conference to be held on annual basis. But it should be kick-started with Creative Tourism Department to cook ideas and pass on to the government for implementation on Public Private Partnerships, PPP.
• Ayo Oyoze Baje. 
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