Experts have advocated on the Federal Government to formulate policy on railway connectivity which they believe can help promote tourism by connecting tourist spots across the country through trains.
The policy, which will be first-of-its-kind exercise by the Railways authorities in the country the experts argue will aims at hassle-free and seamless movement of people across different tourist places.
Before this can be achieved, they said that as a way out, seeking suggestions from stakeholders, the public and other bodies concerned, there should be a draft tourism policy.
Among other considerations, tourism will be one of the frontline activities with the railways and the scope will be increased by focusing on domestic and international tourists and by making value- addition to tourism products, especially designed for this segment.
Since tourist trains have special fares, the Nigerian Railways can position itself to generate substantial revenue focusing on international and domestic tourists by launching more such services.
The infrastructure on railways can be leveraged for launching a diverse range of products and services to ensure bright business prospects with adequate profitability.
The aim should target to operate more trains connecting tourist destinations and also by providing special train services ranging from luxury to budget sections. In Nigeria today, many tourist spots have limited connectivity.
When fully operational, it should offer luxury tourist trains, semi- luxury tourist trains, special train and other special services in order to attract domestic and international tourists.
It should also offer inter-state tourist train services, flexi-package tourist trains, ordinary tourist trains, hill tourist trains as well as value-added tour package.
At the long run, there should be a tourism arm of the Railways that will positioned as a one stop shop for all the requirements of both domestic and international tourists.
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