TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

While the previously conceived security situation in North Eastern Nigeria may detract many foreign tourists, a new International Airport and improved road infrastructure is easing access to Bauchi by both domestic and international tourists. Now the state key into this positive scenario and maximise benefits by;

• Wider rigorous promotion of its tourism products especially her tourist sites, annual cultural events and festivals.
• Upgrading signposting of her existing exotic tourist attractions to encourage a wider range of visitors to the State
• Upgrading and expansion of the state’s hospitality infrastructure which is relatively poor in comparison to Plateau, Gombe and other neighbouring States.

External investors could take advantage of the situation by for example refurbishing of the Zaranda Hotel and Wikki tourist Hotel on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis or on other available business arrangements.

A start would be the development of a simple tourism plan for Bauchi to bring key stakeholders together to agree the way forward. Since tourism can be a particularly useful way in which to create rural jobs as well as in creating a unique image for a region, BIC will seek support from Development Partners in the strategy development process.