By: Manoah Kikekon
LAGOS, Nigeria – The tourism landscape in South-West region of Nigeria is poised for a significant transformation as the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) announces its highly anticipated International Tourism Expo 2025. The landmark event is strategically designed to harness the untapped potential of States and position the region as a premier destination for global travellers and investors.
Scheduled for the 5th and 6th of December 2025 at the prestigious Airport Hotel in Lagos, the expo is built on the powerful theme: "Exploring The Power of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) In Driving Grassroots Development Through Strategic Collaboration." This focus highlights a shift towards sustainable tourism models that directly benefit local economies and preserve cultural heritage, moving beyond traditional tourism frameworks.
In a conversation with the event's Publicity Committee Chairman, Manoah Kikekon, he revealed that the ATPN South-West Region, under the leadership of Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, is directly engaging with South West tourism authorities.
“This is to ignite a new era of tourism-led economic transformation in the region,” Kikekon stated. He emphasized that the expo is “not just an event but a catalyst for unlocking the hidden treasures, cultural richness, and untapped tourist investment opportunities of the south-west.”
The two-day gathering is expected to be a melting pot of ideas, featuring industry experts, government officials, local community leaders, and international investors. Attendees can anticipate insightful keynote speeches, panel discussions on sustainable practices, workshops on community engagement, and exhibitions showcasing the unique cultural assets and investment prospects from across the South-West states.
This expo represents a critical step towards reshaping the economic narrative of the region through tourism. By fostering strategic collaboration between policymakers, practitioners, and communities, the ATPN 2025 Expo aims to create a actionable blueprint for development, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are felt at the grassroots level and solidifying Nigeria’s place on the international tourism map.