The United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) has partnered with the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) to promote Lagos as a top tourism destination in Africa. The partnership was announced during a meeting in Lagos between UN Tourism and ETF, where they also agreed to collaborate on establishing a Tourism Academy in the city.

The partnership aims to jointly promote Lagos as a premier tourism hub, develop Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) infrastructure, and support the growth of the city’s entertainment and creative industries.

UN Tourism Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, praised Lagos for its potential to become Africa’s tourism hub, citing its vibrant culture, fashion, music, festivals, and nightlife. He commended ETF’s efforts in promoting Nigeria’s tourism industry and pledged to work with the foundation to develop MICE infrastructure in Lagos.

Objectives of the Partnership

– Establish a Tourism Academy in Lagos to promote tourism development
– Jointly promote Lagos as Africa’s premier tourism hub
– Develop MICE infrastructure to support the growth of the city’s entertainment and creative industries
– Support the global marketing of Destination Lagos and Nigeria as a driver of sustainable socioeconomic development

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Chairman of ETF’s Board of Trustees and Governing Council, highlighted the potential of Lagos as a tourism destination, citing the success of “Detty December” and the city’s vibrant entertainment industry. He emphasized the need for purpose-built event centers and related facilities to support the city’s growth.

The partnership is expected to boost Lagos’ tourism industry and promote the city’s cultural and economic potential to a global audience.