Ekiti State tourism development receives commendation from Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, for its economic and cultural potential.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, recognised globally for his tourism leadership, has praised the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) for launching its state chapter in Ekiti State.

He acknowledged the state government’s unwavering commitment to promoting Ekiti State tourism development.

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Bartlett, also the Chairman of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre at the University of West Indies, noted that fostering tourism in Ekiti could help overcome geographical challenges by creating jobs and boosting economic growth.

The state’s unique cultural heritage and natural attractions have the potential to draw visitors both nationally and internationally, and improving tourism infrastructure could further unlock its economic possibilities.

He emphasised that tourism provides a platform for showcasing local talents, products, and services to a global market, which would benefit both residents and visitors.

By investing in tourism, Ekiti can position itself as a model of sustainable development and become a premier tourist destination.

Bartlett concluded by stating that through a collective focus on Ekiti State tourism development, opportunities to generate employment and improve citizens’ lives can be maximised.

He reiterated that Ekiti State has the potential to be a leading destination for tourism in Nigeria and beyond.

NANTA and Eko Hotel have signed a marketing contract to promote Nigeria’s cultural tourism, focusing on the Theatre of Lights Xtmas holiday offering.

In a landmark development, the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has signed a lucrative marketing contract with Eko Hotel, one of Nigeria’s premier luxury hospitality brands.

This partnership, announced in Lagos, aims to upscale Eko Hotel’s cultural tourism experience, with a particular focus on its signature “Theatre of Lights” event during the Christmas season.

The cultural carnival event, themed “Cultural Carnival Offerings,” will feature a blend of musical theatres, circus performances, magical shows, grand carnival processions, and more.

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Over the past three years, Eko Hotel’s African Xtmas Santa experience has attracted thousands of visitors, growing from 350 attendees to 4,000 guests.

NANTA President, Mr Yinka Folami, expressed confidence that the association’s marketing reach would elevate the event further.

He emphasised that cultural tourism can provide Nigeria with a much-needed economic boost. He also announced plans to showcase the Eko Hotel Theatre of Lights at the World Travel Market in London.

Eko Hotel’s General Manager, Ghassan Fadoul, highlighted the importance of cultural tourism, noting that NANTA and Eko Hotel’s collaboration would help market Nigeria as a prime destination.

The hotel’s Sales Manager, Iyadunni Gbadebo, shared ambitions to break the trend of Nigerians seeking leisure holidays abroad, promoting Nigeria’s own unique cultural heritage instead.

The partnership marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s cultural tourism industry, with NANTA committed to promoting the Xtmas Theatre of Lights globally.

Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John, highlighted the tourism sector’s potential to generate significant revenue and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil during a recent webinar.

Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John, has revealed that the tourism sector has the potential to generate substantial revenue and serve as a viable alternative to the country’s reliance on the oil sector.

Speaking at a webinar organised by the Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic Group (THITG) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), ahead of the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, she stressed that if properly harnessed, tourism could contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.

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With the theme *”Domestic Tourism: A Powerful Tool for Rural Revitalisation and Economic Growth in Nigeria”*, the webinar focused on the untapped opportunities within Nigeria’s tourism sector.

Ade John highlighted that in 2022, tourism contributed N17.3 billion to Nigeria’s GDP, far less than the 7.5% contribution seen in countries like France.

She emphasised the need to develop domestic tourism to revitalise rural communities, create jobs, and generate revenue.

Nigeria boasts 1,091 tourist sites across 356 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including prominent sites like Obudu, Ogbunike, Osun-Osogbo Grove, Kajuru Castle, and Yankari Game Reserve, which are improving in terms of architecture, wildlife conservation, and ecotourism.

The tourism sector currently supports 1.9 million jobs, and Ade John urged further investment to unlock its full potential.