Nigeria has joined the global community in celebrating World Tourism Day 2025, renewing its call for innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in the nation’s tourism sector.
This year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” highlights tourism as a driver of economic growth, cultural preservation, and job creation.
Stakeholders say Nigeria must harness its rich heritage, natural attractions, and vibrant cities to reposition tourism as a tool for sustainable development.
Speaking in Lagos, the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) stressed the importance of collaboration among government, industry players, and local communities.
It outlined key initiatives including the ETF Trust Fund, ETF Academy, Experience Lagos Project, and Annual International Conference as platforms to build a globally competitive yet locally beneficial tourism ecosystem.
ETF Chairman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the global theme aligns with Nigeria’s priorities. “Tourism has the capacity to transform lives and communities.
For Lagos and Nigeria at large, this is an opportunity to reimagine the sector as a pillar of our economy while safeguarding culture and the environment,” he noted.
He added that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, is uniquely positioned to showcase the country’s creativity, festivals, heritage, and hospitality to the world stressing that partnerships with investors and local communities will be vital.
World Tourism Day, established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is observed annually on September 27 to spotlight tourism’s social, cultural, and economic importance. Countries worldwide marked this year’s edition with renewed pledges to build resilient and inclusive tourism sectors in line with global sustainability targets.
Written By Niran Odufayo