By Peter Dansu The tourism landscape of South West Nigeria is set for a major transformation as the Association of Tourism Practitioners of...
The tourism landscape of South West Nigeria is set for a major transformation as the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), South West Region, officially unveiled the 1st South West International Tourism Expo 2025. The groundbreaking event will hold on December 5th–6th, 2025, at the iconic Lagos Airport Hotel, one of the region’s oldest and most cherished heritage landmarks.
Speaking at the unveiling, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, National Vice President of ATPN (South West Region), described the Expo as “a bold step towards rewriting the tourism narrative of the South West”. He emphasized that the Expo is not just another event but “a journey that will revolutionize the tourism industry in our region, unlock new opportunities, foster strategic collaborations, and promote regional tourism excellence.”
Themed “Exploring the Power of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in Driving Grassroots Development through Strategic Collaboration,” the Expo will spotlight the immense potential of tourism in fostering inclusive development. Apata underscored the importance of community-driven initiatives, noting that when local communities are at the heart of tourism, the benefits extend beyond revenue generation to creating jobs, empowering women and youth, and preserving cultural heritage.
According to him, the Expo will serve as a catalyst for investment and innovation. “This is not just about tourism; it is about building an ecosystem where culture, heritage, entrepreneurship, and strategic partnerships converge to drive regional growth,” he declared.
The Expo is a joint initiative of the six states in the South West, all of which have pledged their commitment to its success. With this collaboration, the event is expected to attract both local and international investors, showcase the region’s rich cultural diversity, and strengthen its position as a leading tourism hub in Nigeria.
Observers say the 1st South West International Tourism Expo 2025 is more than a two-day event — it is a vision. A vision, as Apata stressed, that places the South West on the global tourism map and uses community-based tourism as a powerful tool to transform lives at the grassroots.
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