…Stakeholders Call for Greater Investment, Cultural Preservation
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, on Saturday joined the global community to celebrate World Tourism Day 2025 with a special excursion to Tarkwa Bay Island.
The event, held in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP, South West Zone) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN, South West Zone), brought together key players in the tourism sector, cultural enthusiasts, and members of the public to showcase the immense potential of Lagos as a tourism hub.
In her opening remarks, the President of NATOP, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, urged Nigerians to reflect on the country’s vast tourism potential beyond leisure tours. She emphasized that Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, landscapes, and creative industries could position it as a top global destination if properly harnessed.
“We must patronize made-in-Nigeria products, celebrate our heritage, and tell our stories with pride,” Mustapha said. “Festivals like Osun-Osogbo, historical sites such as the Badagry Museum, and our diverse cultural experiences can rival the world’s biggest attractions if well-packaged and supported.”
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Damilola Ayinde Marshall, appreciated participants for supporting the ministry’s efforts, stressing that cultural preservation and eco-friendly practices were central to sustainable tourism.
“Tourism promotes economic growth that benefits local communities and supports small businesses. Most operators in this sector are SMEs, and government is committed to empowering them through sustainable practices and fair opportunities,” Marshall noted.
Other stakeholders at the event echoed similar sentiments. Mrs. Chinyere, of the Travel and Tourism Committee, highlighted that tourism must be deliberately positioned to drive economic growth, social inclusivity, and environmental protection. On his part, Dr. Tunde Elegbede stressed that tourism and culture are inseparable, noting that preserving cultural identity is key to sustaining the industry.
World Tourism Day is commemorated annually on September 27 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to raise awareness about the social, cultural, political, and economic value of the sector.
