By Francis Ogwo
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has expressed fear that the travel and hospitality sector may not survive from the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic except the Federal Government renders major support.
This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the association in which they said the Creativity, Hospitality and Tourism Trade Group, after a meeting on Wednesday, enumerated measures of salvaging the hospitality sector.
“With airports shut and airlines grounded and millions of jobs lost across the globe, the travel and hospitality sectors have been by far the worst hit by the pandemic. NACCIMA now wants the sector to be first in line to receive substantial support,”
According to NACCIMA, supports in terms of grants, tax holiday, and loans should be provided to airlines and companies in the hospitality business by the government, to ease off the financial distress they may face.
The statement further urged the government to cash in on the opportunity to achieve the national carrier project.
The Chairman of the Trade Group on Creativity, Hospitality and Tourism of NACCIMA, Chief SP Phillips, was of the view that any further isolation of the sector with its current situation could be disastrous for the economy of the country, while adding that the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) should be made a standing regulatory agency for the tourism sector, capable of generating revenue in line with the implementation of the Orasanye Report.
He further opined that if the NTDC is properly empowered, it could be a very good cash cow for a speedy recovery from the COVID-19 impacts.
According to Phillips, one of the big lessons of the pandemic is that Nigeria now needs a national carrier, and delivering the carrier will be a big boost to the sector.
Philips argued that while various sectors of the economy were undergoing gradual restoration of services, restrictions on travel and hospitality had lingered.
“This strengthens the case for a more sizable stimulus package for the travel and hospitality businesses. Otherwise ‘the sector’ as we know it, may never recover,” he said.
He also applauded the Federal Government for its dogged efforts in the containment of the pandemic and stressed the need for more to be done to support businesses, especially those in air travel, hospitality and entertainment.
“The industry is in a desperate and dire situation. What is needed urgently is a massive, well-considered financial support to cushion the losses being suffered by the travel trade.
“It is also imperative to initiate measures that will stimulate businesses that are on the verge of closing down and restore jobs that are set to be lost.”
In his remarks, the Director-General, NACCIMA, Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni, expressed satisfaction in the Federal Government’s decision recently announced by the Federal Minister of Information, and the Lagos State Government to support the creative sector with the stimulus package.
He concluded with a call for a quick and effective solution and quick release of funds to the stakeholders towards achieving the short and long term goals of recovery.
