Technology Can Tackle Challenges Caused by Pandemic, Nigeria’s Tourism Boss Says

Nigeria must use technology to adapt to the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the tourism industry or risk falling behind, according to Folorunsho Coker, Director General of the country’s Tourism Development Corporation.

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Travel and tourism are just some of the sectors affected most by the pandemic, with flights grounded, hotels closed, and travel restrictions put in place in Nigeria and several other countries around the world.

Coker said the pandemic offered an opportunity for Nigeria to “stop and address certain issues.”

“As long as super-spreaders are not allowed, all our traditional events are not going to take place. So the alternative is to use technology,” Coker told Arise News.

“This is really a time to rethink and reimagine the technology that we have access to,” Coker said, pointing to Zoom and other platforms that have driven the rise of online meetings and conferences, as well as virtual events during the pandemic.

“There is a prospect in terms of using technology to give greater access to people to see our culture.”

Technology, Coker said, will allow Nigeria to spread its culture “beyond the physical attendance” and “preserve our culture, heritage and traditions” in the wake of a resurgent pandemic.

Rita Osakwe