Introduction

Tourism, an adventure-filled activity, is a major economic driver, contributing significantly to global employment, GDP, and trade. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that as of 2023, the travel and tourism sector contributed approximately 9.1% to the global GDP, amounting to over $9.9 trillion.

The sector supported more than 295 million jobs worldwide, representing about one in every 11 jobs. International visitor spending reached $1.1 trillion, indicating a significant rebound in global travel. (WTTC, 2023).

 Traditionally, tourism is categorized into eco-tourism, emphasizing natural landscapes like the Obudu Cattle Ranch, and cultural tourism, with a focus on heritage sites like the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.

This article examines the economic potential of infrastructure tourism, i.e, an attempt by countries to develop infrastructure possessing spectacular features in a bid to boost tourism.  It utilizes the Hill station project, an endeavor of the Strom Infraco aimed at contributing to hospitality infrastructure growth in Nigeria, as a case study, spotlighting the benefit of this endeavour to communities and possibilities of replicating its impact through forward thinking.

The Evolution of Infrastructure Tourism

While infrastructure tourism is often perceived as a modern concept, historical evidence suggests that civilizations have long used large-scale architectural projects to attract visitors and stimulate economic growth.

For instance, the Library of Alexandria in Egypt, built around 60 BCE, served as an intellectual hub that drew scholars from across the Mediterranean. Similarly, Nigeria’s Benin Moat, one of the largest ancient fortifications, showcased advanced engineering and city planning, drawing European explorers’ attention.
Likewise, the Timbuktu Library in Mali positioned the city as a trade and scholarship hub in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Infrastructure tourism in the modern era, however, holds a greater significance for countries. In the 21st century, infrastructure tourism plays an even greater role; Strategic infrastructure development has helped countries without abundant natural resources achieve international tourism appeal.

Infrastructure Tourism and Its Economic Impact on Countries

For many nations, infrastructure tourism is a deliberate strategy to boost GDP, foreign exchange, and capital investment. The following examples illustrate how strategic investments in man-made attractions can significantly boost national economies:

Tourism Contribution to GDP

 

1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
   Dubai, despite having minimal oil reserves, has positioned itself as a global tourism hub through large-scale infrastructure projects. Iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Mall attract millions of visitors annually. In 2023, tourism contributed $29.4 billion to Dubai’s GDP, accounting for 12% of its economy. (WTTC, 2023).
2. Singapore
   With no significant natural resources, Singapore has built a thriving tourism industry through innovative urban development. Attractions such as Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa Island, and Gardens by the Bay generate $27.5 billion annually, contributing 4% to its GDP. (Singapore Tourism Board, 2023).
3. South Korea
   South Korea has invested in modern attractions such as Lotte World Tower, N Seoul Tower, and Everland, drawing 17.5 million international visitors in 2019 and generating $21 billion. (Korea Tourism Organization, 2019).

These countries demonstrate that infrastructure tourism can provide economic stability, year-round accessibility, and continuous opportunities for expansion, making it a viable strategy for Nigeria’s economic diversification.

Nigeria’s Infrastructure Tourism Deficit

Despite its immense potential, tourism remains an underutilized economic driver in Nigeria.
In 2023, the country’s travel and tourism sector contributed ₦7.2 trillion to the GDP (3.9% of the total economy) and employed over 2.5 million people—marking a 4.3% increase from 2020. (WTTC, 2023).

Diaspora spending for Detty December 2024 is reportedly estimated at $60 billion, according to the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Ms. Abike Dabiri-Erewa. These numbers could be a regular occurrence for the country if infrastructure tourism is leveraged —adopting the mindset of global tourism giants who design infrastructure not just for function, but as attractions in their own right.

Nigeria is already home to several iconic infrastructural projects that not only serve critical functional purposes but also embody the nation’s pursuit of excellence.
However, their impact can be magnified by embracing architectural beauty, storytelling, and immersive experiences designed to attract local and international tourists.

Notable Examples Include:

• Third Mainland Bridge – One of the longest bridges in Africa, it offers stunning views of the Lagos lagoon. With dedicated viewpoints and pedestrian-friendly zones, it could become a celebrated photo-tourism spot.
• The National Museum, Lagos – A keeper of Nigeria’s vast cultural heritage, it could transform into a nighttime marvel with curated light installations and digital storytelling that draw attention from afar.
• National Theatre, Lagos – An architectural masterpiece and performance hub, it has the potential to rival global icons if reimagined with dynamic lighting effects, augmented reality exhibits, and regular cultural showcases.

The Economic Potential of Infrastructure Tourism in Nigeria

Infrastructure tourism proffers advantages beyond just tourism. When explored, the following sectors could be significantly impacted:

1. Job Creation
   Infrastructure projects create employment opportunities in construction, hospitality, and retail. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall attract 16.7 million visitors annually, sustaining over 750,000 jobs. Nigeria could achieve similar results by developing world-class entertainment hubs.
2. Real Estate Development
   Tourism drives real estate growth. Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands increased surrounding property values by 25%, creating a high-value commercial district. Lagos’s Eko Atlantic City could benefit from similar high-end tourism investments.
3. Transport Sector Growth
   Modern tourism requires efficient transportation systems. A 10% increase in infrastructure investment can lead to a 1.5% GDP growth. (World Bank, 2023).
4. Retail & Hospitality Boom
   Nigeria’s retail industry, with malls like The Palms in Lagos and Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja, could integrate high-end shopping hubs with tourism attractions, similar to Dubai Mall, which generated $7 billion in retail sales in 2022.

Strategies for Enhancing Infrastructure Tourism in Nigeria

To maximize the economic benefits of infrastructure tourism, Nigeria must adopt a comprehensive development strategy that includes:

1. Infrastructure Investment
   The Nigerian government should implement tax incentives and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investors into large-scale tourism projects.
2. Improved Transportation Networks
   Investments in roads, airports, and rail systems would make tourist sites more accessible. For example, South Korea’s Incheon International Airport led to a 300% rise in international arrivals. (Korea Tourism Organization, 2019).
3. Digital Marketing & Promotion
   Social media marketing has proven to boost tourism significantly. Studies show that a single social media influencer’s post can generate over 10,000 new visitors to a destination. (Forbes, 2022). Nigeria could leverage digital campaigns to boost its global tourism visibility.
4. National Branding & Cultural Integration
   Establishing modern cultural centers blending traditional Nigerian aesthetics with futuristic design can attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Dubai’s tourism-driven economy secured $22 billion in FDI in 2022 by positioning itself as a premier global

Revitalizing Hill Station: A Blueprint for Infrastructure-Driven Tourism in Nigeria

Nigeria’s tourism potential remains largely untapped, with historic landmarks often overlooked as economic assets.

However, the revitalization of Hill Station presents a compelling case for how infrastructure can be leveraged to elevate tourism and attract global visitors.

Once a retreat for Queen Elizabeth II, Hill Station holds a prestigious place in Nigeria’s history. Now, through a ₦8.5 billion concession agreement, it is being reimagined as Africa’s premier luxury hospitality destination. Led by Hillside Hospitality, an investment arm of Strom, the project aims to transform the site into a world-class resort, offering high-end amenities that rival global luxury destinations.

Strategically located in Jos, a city renowned for its breathtaking natural attractions—Shere Hills, Jos Wildlife Park, and the Ten Commandments Monument—the Hill Station revitalization is more than a facelift. It represents a new model for tourism development, where historic sites are not just preserved but repurposed for modern economic value.

It’s not just about accommodations, it’s about what could attract global attention. This initiative doesn’t just aim to restore an iconic landmark—it seeks to reinvent it as a global attraction, drawing both international and domestic tourists while redefining infrastructure as a driver of economic growth.

As Nigeria looks to compete on the global tourism stage, projects like this demonstrate the power of visionary infrastructure investment. If executed successfully, Hill Station could serve as a blueprint for future developments, proving that infrastructure isn’t just about functionality—it’s about experience, economy, and global appeal.

Key Economic Benefits of the Hillside Hospitality Revitalization Project

1. Job Creation and Economic Boost
   With an ₦8.5 billion investment allocated for the refurbishment of Hill Station Hotel, the project is set to generate employment for thousands of local workers, including construction crews, interior designers, electricians, and suppliers. At its earliest stages, the Hill Station already provides direct employment for over 250 workers and indirectly for over 500 people.
   
   This large-scale redevelopment will also create long-term job opportunities in hospitality, security, retail, and tourism services in Jos, Plateau State.
2. Increased Tourism Spending
   A modernized Hill Station Hotel will attract a surge of domestic and international tourists, who, in turn, will contribute to the local economy by spending on restaurants, souvenir shops, transportation, and guided tours. This increased spending will inject significant revenue into the hospitality and tourism sectors, encouraging further investments in tourism-related enterprises.
3. Enhanced Appeal of Jos as a Tourist Destination
   Despite its natural beauty, Jos has yet to realize its full potential as a leading Nigerian tourism destination. The revitalization of Hill Station Hotel will enhance the city’s ability to host high-profile conferences, business summits, and cultural events, positioning it as a competitive location for both leisure and corporate tourism.

Achieving Economic Diversification Through Infrastructure Tourism

Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has experienced a 3.84% growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, marking the fastest expansion in three years. This surge is primarily driven by the services sector, which saw a year-on-year increase of 5.37%.

Despite this progress, the tourism industry’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP remains relatively modest. In 2022, travel and tourism accounted for 3.6% of the GDP, translating to approximately $17.3 billion.

In contrast, countries like China have leveraged cohesive economic strategies to achieve substantial GDP figures. China’s GDP reached $17.7 trillion in 2021, with the tourism sector contributing about 11.6% to the national economy. This comparison underscores the potential for Nigeria to enhance its economic diversification efforts.

In many developed nations, infrastructure is more than just a utility; it’s an experience. From the breathtaking Hoover Dam in the United States to the engineering marvel of the Øresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden, infrastructure serves as a source of national pride, economic opportunity, and tourism revenue.

By prioritizing infrastructural tourism, Nigeria not only enhances its global tourism competitiveness but also creates sustainable employment opportunities, fosters regional development, and drives foreign direct investment, contributing to overall growth.

This article is part of the thought leadership series by Strom Infrastructure Investment and Management Company with insights into infrastructure and development in and around Africa that enhance equitable access for everyday Africans.

Download as pdf

References

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). (2023).
Economic Impact Report 2023. WTTC.

Singapore Tourism Board. (2023).
Annual Tourism Performance Report 2023. Singapore Tourism Board.

Korea Tourism Organization. (2019).
Visitor Arrivals and Tourism Revenue Report. Korea Tourism Organization.

Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). (2024).
Official statement by Ms. Abike Dabiri-Erewa on diaspora spending during December 2024 festivities.

World Bank. (2023).
World Development Indicators: Infrastructure Investment and GDP Growth. The World Bank Group.

Forbes. (2022).
How Influencers Are Changing the Face of Global Travel. Forbes Magazine.

United Nations. (n.d.).
Sustainable Development Goals Overview. United Nations SDG Knowledge Platform.

National Bureau of Statistics (Nigeria). (2024).
Q4 2024 Gross Domestic Product Report. National Bureau of Statistics.

China National Tourism Administration. (2021).
Tourism Sector GDP Contribution Report 2021. China NTA.

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. (n.d.).
Historical Overview of the Hoover Dam.

Øresundsbron Consortium. (n.d.).
The Øresund Bridge: Linking Denmark and Sweden.

Strom Infraco. (2025).
Hill Station Revitalization Project Factsheet. Strom Infrastructure Investment & Management Company.