Nigeria today joined the world to mark World Tourism Day with the theme ” Digital Agenda and Artificial intelligence to Redesign Tourism” in Abuja.
World Tourism Day, is being celebrated annually on September 27. It recognizes tourism’s vital role in fostering cultural exchange, economic growth, and sustainable development. This year’s global theme, underscores the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of tourism.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, said the role of Artificial intelligence (AI) in tourism offers us an unprecedented opportunity to leapfrog traditional constraints, adding that, through AI powered platforms, Nigeria can personalized travel experiences for visitors, predict demand and manage crowding at our attractions, streamline visa and immigration processes and equip Small and Medium enterprises.
The Minister who said AI can help Nigeria tell its story more effectively, mentioned that tourism is one of the most powerful forces for peace, understanding and shared prosperity that humanity has ever created, maintaining that AI and the digital agenda are not here to change fundamental truths, rather they are here to help us deliver better to more people, more sustainably and more equipping than ever before.
She emphasized that this year’s theme should not be more of a slogan, rather, let it be “our shared commitment to redesign our tourism sector for digital age, without ever losing the warmth hospitality and the human connection that makes travel so meaningful”.
Musawa emphasized that as “we digitalize tourism sector and welcome AI into our hotels, parks, Airports and our bookings, we must ensure that our data is protected, our small businesses are not left behind, our cultural authenticity is preserved and our workforce is reskilled and empowered.
The Minister who appreciated the management of Discovery Museum for their support and their offer of mentorship to the students who took part in the Innovation Challenge and price awards given to the winners, affirmed that this”gesture reflects a genuine investment in the growth and development of young minds, stating that, it exemplifies the spirit of partnership that this celebration seeks to inspire.
She calls on all stakeholders, government, private sector, media, and host communities to collaborate in redesigning tourism through innovation, adding that ” it is not only the responsibility of the Government but our shared responsibilities and commitment of extraordinary transformation and today we ” stand at the threshold of the next great transformation, which is the age of AI and digital agenda.
Earlier, the Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism in a paper presented, stated that
Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how we travel, how we work and how we connect. It’s an exciting time for both travellers and for the people whose jobs depend on tourism.
And so this World Tourism Day, he said it is a time to pause to reflect and to make sure that our sector’s transformation is on track, adding that, he has no doubt that Managed well Al can help us build a more efficient and resilient tourism sector.
He warned that “we cannot take this for granted. Left unaddressed, these changes risk widening the gap between those shaping the new digital rules and those simply expected to follow them”.
He pointed out that today “we commit to connecting what’s disconnected and to building a tourism sector where technology strengthens, every livelihood touches, and that is the future worth travelling towards”.
The Director – General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Ola Awakan during his goodwill message, reiterated that Nigeria is highly endowed and strategic digital transformation will help to achieve greater visibility, attract domestic and international audiences and unlock new opportunities for businesses of young people and host communities.
He pledged that at NTDA ” they remain committed to advancing a digitally enabled, investment – ready, inclusive and sustainable tourism ecosystem.
The event was attended by industry professionals, development partners, tourism Stakeholders, students among others.
Amadi Uloma Nneka, anipr
Head (Press and PR)
September 27, 2026
