Preparation is in full swing as the much-awaited Destination Tourism Show 2023 kicks off in partnership with Lagos Local Government Tourism Market (LLGTM). Billed to be declared open on November 29, 2023 at the popular Freedom Park, it will run till November 30 and be concluded at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The lead organiser, who is the president of Travelogue Communications Ltd, Ayo Omotoso, recently confirmed this development in an interview. This year’s Destination Tourism Show will have a special focus on community-based tourism, hence the new product: “Lagos Local Government Tourism Market.

“This is a Community-Based Tourism MICE and exposition event designed to add tourism values and sensitize both the state and local government authorities, particularly in Lagos state. Furthermore, it is aimed at increasing the capacity of local government councils to generate and earn tourism revenue and propel the campaign for Domestic Tourism Promotion across the LGAs.

To strengthen the vision of the Destination Tourism Show, the second day will be set aside for the awards category. It will be an opportunity to celebrate those who have done excellently well in tourism, culture; travel trade, and allied services. These include some outstanding local government chairmen who supported Community-Based Tourism Development in their various communities in the state.

According to Omotoso: “Tourism opens minds to unlimited opportunities and there are lots of tourism business opportunities in the local communities. With this, the Roadshow on Community-Based Tourism will provide an opportunity for B2B and a showcase of handcrafts, including a tantalizing journey through local cuisines“.

A host line of dignitaries are expected from within and outside the country, making it a destination event of class. Among them are the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abiodun, Hon. Prince Gboyega Isiaka, Chairman, House Committee on Polytechnics and Technical Education, House of Representatives, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Hon, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Charles Udoh, Akwa Ibom State, Hon Commissioner for Culture and Tourism.

Others include the Director General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, CBAAC, Hon Olubumi Amao, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, National Theatre, Prof. Sunday Ododo, Engr. Mrs. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General, National Identity Management Commission, Mrs. Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director of Sales and Marketing, Eko Hotels and Suites, Mrs. Abiola Adelana Head, Tourism and Creative Sector, Sterling Bank, Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Mr Sola Obadimu, Prince Dr. Yemisi Shyllon, Grand Donor, Museum of Art, Lagos.