By: Manoah Kikekon
The South-West region of Nigeria is on the brink of a monumental shift, poised to transform from a land of untapped potential into a premier global destination. The catalyst for this change is the upcoming International Tourism Expo 2025, announced by the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN).
This landmark event is strategically designed to unlock the unique cultural and economic treasures of the region, presenting an unprecedented opportunity for both international travellers and savvy investors looking to be part of a new tourism renaissance.
Scheduled for December 5th and 6th, 2025, at the prestigious Airport Hotel in Lagos, the expo is built on the powerful and forward-thinking theme: "Exploring The Power of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) In Driving Grassroots Development Through Strategic Collaboration."
This focus marks a decisive move away from traditional tourism models, championing a sustainable approach where local economies thrive, cultural heritage is preserved, and communities become the direct beneficiaries of the tourism value chain.
Emphasizing the critical importance of this shift, the National Vice Chairman of the association, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, stated, “This expo is not merely an event; it is the foundational stone for a new economic and cultural architecture in the South-West. We are moving beyond mere sightseeing to creating deeply immersive experiences that are rooted in our communities. This is about empowering our people and showcasing the authentic heartbeat of our region to the world.”
He further elaborated on the long-term vision, highlighting that the expo is a call to action for strategic collaboration. “Reshaping our region requires a united front. The Expo 2025 is a platform where government agencies, private investors, community leaders, and tourism practitioners will converge to forge partnerships that will drive tangible, grassroots development. This is how we build a sustainable future by ensuring tourism dollars directly uplift our local economies and preserve our cherished heritage for generations to come.”
The International Tourism Expo 2025 is therefore positioned as more than a conference; it is the launchpad for a transformative movement. By placing Community-Based Tourism at its core, the event promises to redefine the South-West's identity on the global map, ensuring that its growth is inclusive, sustainable, and powerfully authentic, setting a new benchmark for tourism development across Nigeria and beyond.