Nigerian tourism sector operators call for sustainable policy

The Managing Director of Tropical International Ltd. travel agency calls for the Nigerian Federal Government to take measures to boosts sector's revenues

The travel operator aims that the country officials initiate sustainable policy measures regarding Nigerian tourism sector, to boost both foreign tourists and spendings influx.

Manager Stephanie Innocent declared for a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja interview:

“Such policy could generate much revenue for it and boost the operation of travel agencies in the country.

Travel agency businesses in Nigeria face many challenges, due to the country's specific financial and visa regulations.

“There is always the uncertainty of not being able to break even; this is so because the airline operators constantly make changes as regards the commission based on percentage given to their agents.

“It’s now so difficult to make a decent earning on these commissions without having to add service charge to the total ticket fare.

“It’s as if some airlines have passed the bulk of paying out commissions to the travel agents onto the passengers.

“Some airlines no longer pay commission to agents while others are planning to follow suit.

“The government should set up policies that will make it mandatory for the airlines to pay these commissions in as much to airline operators have their rights too.

“This will help create employment for individuals and pave way for others to come on board as policy will make it economically viable for travel operators to work in the sector.

“Furthermore, the stipulated fee paid by agents, either as insurance coverage or union membership fee, should be reduced so that agents will not be at a loss due to non-payment of commissions on tickets sold’’, Ms. Innocent added.

Travel operators all over the country are requiring the Nigerian officials to initiate a new tourism policy project so they can save or continue operating their businesses.