We will use sports tourism to sell Lagos, says Tinubu
In a bid to make Lagos megacity a world-class
tourist’s destination, the Lagos State Government
says it is set to use sports tourism to sell the state.
Deji Tinubu, the Lagos State Sports Commission’s
Chairman, said on Sunday that the government had
mapped out plans to tap into its tourism potential.
The state is set to use sports tourism to showcase its
potential in that sector and we are on the right
track.
Lagos is revamping its tourist sites through sporting
activities. Marathon was the first we used to
showcase what Lagos can
produce and it has increased our tourism potential.
The psychological effects of it still lingers in the
memory of those present at the Access Bank Lagos
City Marathon on Feb. 6, where more than 24,000
people lined up the streets.
The lessons learnt during the Marathon will be used
to improve on the subsequent ones and through this
we will create a standard for ourselves,’’ Tinubu
told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said from available statistics showing the huge
number of people streaming into Lagos daily,
tourism remained a goldmine for the state.
Citing the “Lagos Cyclefest’’, a private initiative,
Tinubu noted that the competition was a huge
success story of sports tourism.
According to him, the government will continue to
support such initiatives to promote the state and its
people.
He said: “The government will always partner with
what will make the state to look good. We had the
“Lagos Cyclefest’’ where we played host to cyclists
from all over the world.
This is also a private initiative and we are amazed
by its outcome.
Foreigners from outside Nigeria rode their bicycles
to Epe. I was excited and I spoke with them.
The foreigners go on raft on the sea to ride their
bicycles into the Epe forests. We will partner with
such to raise our sports tourism portfolio’’.
Tinubu also unveiled some world-class competitions
lined up to showcase the tourism potential in Lagos.
Recently the best team in the world, Barcelona,
came to establish its Academy in Lagos and this
makes us look good; it is a sign of good things
happening in the state.
By the grace of God, we are also hosting the Nations
Cup for Beach Soccer. It is a fantastic launch into
tourism.
We cannot have a better deal between sports and
tourism than this.
The recent Beach football competition at the Eko
Atlantic is another wonderful experience and effort
to ensure a blending of tourism and sports.
We have created an event and got it on the world
map. Lagos is a fantastic place and in some couple
of years, many will see a new Lagos — the home of
tourism.
Badagry will be opened up. It a fantastic place
where we have a beach in a serene place to host
competitions.
Entertainment and sports are now key drivers of
tourism and it is one of the ways to get our youths
out of crime if we must be honest to ourselves.
attention of the youths away from crime? It is sports
and entertainment.
However, sports and entertainment must be
properly regulated for the youths to get the best.’’
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