The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with tour operators to unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential and accelerate the growth of domestic tourism through strategic partnerships and sustainable destination development.
Eko Hot News reports that the call was made by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja, at the 10th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators in Alausa, Ikeja.
The conference was held under the theme, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable Destination Development.” It brought together tourism stakeholders, industry experts and business leaders to discuss strategies for advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Addressing participants, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka described tour operators as an essential link between tourism destinations and travellers. She said their role is critical in promoting destination marketing, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.
The commissioner noted that Nigeria is richly endowed with cultural heritage, historical landmarks, festivals, beaches, wildlife and a vibrant creative industry. She added that these assets can generate greater economic value when professionally packaged, effectively promoted and made accessible to visitors.
She reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration to tourism development through the THEMES+ Agenda. According to her, the state continues to invest in infrastructure, accessibility, security and tourism assets to improve visitors’ experiences.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka highlighted several landmark tourism projects, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, JJT Park, heritage sites in Badagry and the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Industrial Leather Hub. She said these investments reinforce Lagos’ ambition of becoming Africa’s leading tourism destination.
The commissioner also stated that Lagos hosts more than 200 festivals and tourism-related events annually. She cited the Eyo Festival, Lagos Fanti Carnival, E1 Boat Regatta, Lagos Seafood Festival and Art X Lagos as major attractions drawing local and international visitors.
She encouraged members of NATOP to embrace professionalism, certification, continuous capacity development and digital transformation. She also advocated the development of innovative tourism products such as agro-tourism, culinary tourism, medical tourism and diaspora heritage tours.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka further called for stronger public-private partnerships and improved access to finance to strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian tour operators. She noted that technology and digital platforms remain essential for expanding the industry’s global reach.
She disclosed that the Lagos State Government is collaborating with development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme, to improve digital connectivity and promote the “Made-in-Lagos” and “Made-in-Nigeria” tourism brands.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state’s readiness to deepen collaboration with NATOP through destination marketing, festivals, trade missions and other strategic programmes. She also encouraged stakeholders to support the “See Nigeria First” campaign to boost domestic tourism.
Earlier, NATOP President Bolaji Mustapha described the conference as a celebration of the association’s achievements over the past decade. She said stronger institutions, innovation and strategic partnerships are essential to unlocking Nigeria’s tourism potential.
Mrs. Mustapha described tour operators as destination ambassadors whose contributions support job creation, cultural preservation and community development. She urged participants to use the conference as an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and promote sustainable tourism growth.
The three-day conference featured workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions focusing on destination development, digital transformation, professionalism, access to finance and practical strategies for advancing domestic tourism across Nigeria.
