By: Manoah Kikekon
LAGOS, NIGERIA – Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, the Vice President (South West) of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), issued a compelling call for a united, collaborative approach to developing community-based tourism (CBT) across Nigeria.
Speaking at the HND II Academic Symposium and Practical Examination on Thursday, 18th 2025, hosted by the Department of Tourism Management Technology at Yaba College of Technology's Epe Campus, Apata outlined a visionary blueprint where local communities become the primary architects and beneficiaries of Nigeria's tourism economy.
Apata began by lauding the unique format of the ASCOT-2025 event, which served as both an academic symposium and a practical examination for HND II students. He praised Yaba College of Technology for its innovative vision, stating, “This symposium is both a classroom and a marketplace of ideas, where theory and practice meet in real time.” He emphasized that such initiatives are critical for preparing a new generation of tourism leaders equipped with the competence, creativity, and collaborative spirit needed to drive the industry forward.
At the heart of Apata’s address was a clear definition of Community-Based Tourism, a theme he described as “empowering locals and enhancing visitors’ experiences.” He positioned CBT not as a mere concept, but as a transformative movement built on inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment. “It ensures that the communities whose environment, traditions, and culture form the foundation of tourism are not passive participants but active stakeholders,” he explained. He detailed its core characteristics, including local ownership, equitable benefit-sharing, and a steadfast commitment to cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
The ATPN Vice President meticulously outlined the practical steps for implementing successful CBT projects, from initial community mobilization and resource assessment to capacity development and partnership building. He argued that this model is a powerful catalyst for economic growth, particularly in rural areas. “It creates employment opportunities by encouraging locals to develop businesses rooted in their own traditions and environments,” Apata noted, highlighting its potential to reduce rural-urban migration and strengthen community resilience by providing dignity, purpose, and opportunity for the youth.
To underscore the transformative power of CBT, Apata drew on successful international case studies. He pointed to Costa Rica, where a strategic shift towards community-run eco-tourism and rainforest tours reversed deforestation and now funds conservation. Similarly, he cited Kenya’s community conservancies in Maasai Mara, where integrating traditional culture with eco-tourism has reduced poaching, generated revenue for local infrastructure, and enhanced cultural pride. “These case studies remind us that communities engaged in CBT recognize that their natural and cultural resources are assets to be sustained and not depleted,” he stated.
The central thrust of Apata’s message was a direct appeal for collaboration among all sector stakeholders. “Academia must continue to provide the knowledge base; industry must create platforms for practice; and communities must remain at the center of our focus,” he declared. He called upon academics, practitioners, policymakers, and students to commit to this shared vision, replicating the Yabatech symposium model to cultivate graduates capable of innovation and stewardship.
In his concluding remarks, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon reframed the event as a profound statement on the future of Nigerian tourism. He commended the HND II students for their courage and competence, proving they are “emerging leaders.” His final words served as a rallying cry: “Let us go forward with a shared commitment to empower communities, to preserve our heritage, and to ensure that tourism in Nigeria becomes a true force for sustainable development.”