The call for a bold and strategic revival of tourism in Southwest Nigeria took center stage as the President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) embarked on a two-day tour of Ibadan, engaging key stakeholders in discussions aimed at transforming the region’s tourism landscape.
Hosted by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Adewale Olatubosun, the ATPN President, accompanied by the South West Vice President and the newly inaugurated Oyo State Chapter Chairman, Kolade Lawal, emphasized the need for a deliberate, action-driven approach to harnessing the economic potential of tourism.
A highlight of the visit was the last induction of Hon. Olatubosun and Former Dean of Faculty, Professor Kassim Adebiyi, as Honorary Members of ATPN, a gesture recognizing their invaluable contributions to tourism advocacy and cultural preservation.
Speaking passionately about the need for a paradigm shift in tourism development, the ATPN President urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive steps in building a thriving tourism economy. “Southwest Nigeria stands on a goldmine of cultural and historical assets, yet we have not fully optimized them for economic transformation.
The time for passive discussions is over—we must act boldly, forge new partnerships, and create sustainable structures that will make tourism a formidable driver of growth.”
This visit marks a significant step toward forging stronger collaborations between tourism practitioners, government agencies, and academic institutions.
As ATPN continues to push for a resilient and globally competitive tourism industry, the message is clear: the future of Southwest Nigeria’s tourism is in our hands, and the time to act is now.
