The United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) to elevate Lagos as one of Africa’s foremost tourism destinations.
The collaboration was formalised during a high-level meeting in Lagos between representatives of UN Tourism and ETF, where both parties also agreed to establish a Tourism Academy in the city.
The partnership seeks to promote Lagos as a premier tourism and business hub, enhance Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) infrastructure, and strengthen the city’s entertainment and creative industries.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Mr Zurab Pololikashvili lauded Lagos for its immense potential to become Africa’s tourism capital, highlighting its dynamic culture, fashion, music, festivals, and nightlife. He commended ETF’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector and pledged UN Tourism’s support in developing modern MICE infrastructure across Lagos.
Key Objectives of the Partnership
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Establish a Tourism Academy in Lagos to foster tourism education and capacity building.
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Jointly promote Lagos as Africa’s leading tourism hub.
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Develop robust MICE infrastructure to drive growth in entertainment, events, and the creative economy.
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Enhance global marketing of Destination Lagos and Nigeria as catalysts for sustainable socioeconomic development.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Chairman of ETF’s Board of Trustees and Governing Council, emphasised Lagos’ strong potential as a tourism powerhouse, referencing the success of “Detty December” and the city’s thriving entertainment scene. He underscored the need for purpose-built event centers and supporting facilities to further unlock Lagos’ tourism potential.
The partnership is expected to significantly strengthen Lagos’ tourism ecosystem, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture, creativity, and economic promise to audiences around the world.