Prof. Edet Ekpeyong, Country Director and Head of Mission, International Society of Diplomats (ISD), has emphasised that tourism plays a vital role in strengthening cultural ties, encouraging partnerships and boosting economic growth essential for national progress.
He made the remark in Abuja at an event organised by the society and its collaborators to commemorate the 2025 World Tourism Day.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” with the sub-theme, “Tourism and Diaspora Diplomacy: Bridging Cultures, Building Economy.”
According to him, the day reflects the United Nations’ vision of global sustainability under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Tourism is life, business, growth, progress and development. It creates endless job opportunities,” he said.
Ekpeyong noted that direct tourism activities generate jobs while creating multiple indirect opportunities in surrounding communities.
Speaking at the event also, Dr Dahiru Bala, Regional Manager, Bank of Industry, North-West, said Nigeria is richly endowed with natural and cultural resources.
“When you travel across the country, you see destinations that are not yet on the media. We need innovative ideas to showcase them,” he said.
Dr Fatoumatta Gaye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Resolution Consulting and President of the Africa CEO Club, stressed Africa’s centrality to global tourism.
“It is not about lack of destinations in Africa but lack of positioning.
“Africa has everything to offer; what we need is one voice,” she said.
Gaye, from The Gambia, described Africa as a hub for authentic tourism experiences.
Amb. Phil Robert, Global Tourism Ambassador for Nigeria and convener of the event, said tourism has transformative potential beyond leisure.
“Tourism can serve as a tool for peace-building, unity and GDP growth. What discussions or wars cannot resolve, tourism can,” he said.
According to him, countries must market themselves through tourism, as seen in global campaigns such as “Visit Dubai” and “Visit Ethiopia.”
Robert concluded that the gathering marked the start of a fresh drive to use tourism as an instrument for diplomacy and sustainable development across Africa.
The United Nations introduced World Tourism Day in 1979, with the first celebration held in 1980, to underscore the importance of tourism to global development.