Lagos Moves to Reclaim Tourism Leadership as State Hosts Strategic Stakeholders’ Summit
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning the state as a globally competitive tourism and creative destination, as key players across the tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors gathered on Thursday for the Tourism, Hospitality and Creative Stakeholders’ Engagement Summit held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
Delivering her address, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the summit underscores the state government’s determination to strengthen collaboration and deepen partnerships needed to elevate Lagos’ tourism profile.
According to her, the theme of the summit, “Unlocking the Potentials and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos,” reflects the collective responsibility required to drive innovation, sustainability, and destination development across the state.
Benson-Awoyinka noted that Lagos remains Nigeria’s melting pot of culture, entertainment, and economic activity, enriched by its diverse population and vibrant creative energy. She said the government recognises the role of stakeholders—ranging from investors and creatives to policymakers and destination managers—in sustaining Lagos’ status as a top destination for leisure, business, and cultural experiences.
She further highlighted the key objectives of the summit, which include strengthening partnerships across the tourism and hospitality value chain, enhancing service delivery, improving destination competitiveness, and exploring new sustainable opportunities across the state.
“As a government, we understand that meaningful stakeholder collaboration is essential for building a tourism ecosystem that is accessible, attractive, and impactful,” she said, adding that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to creating an enabling environment that supports investment, innovation, and global best practices.
The commissioner emphasized that the summit’s panel discussions and technical sessions would generate actionable insights capable of improving infrastructure, safety, regulatory frameworks, service standards, and promotional strategies—critical elements as Lagos continues to attract both local and international visitors.
She urged participants to engage actively, share knowledge, and deploy their professional expertise, stressing that their contributions would shape the future of tourism in Lagos, especially as the state prepares for the fast-approaching festive season.
Benson-Awoyinka reiterated the state’s resolve to unlock Lagos’ cultural, creative, and economic strengths, positioning it as the tourism hub of Africa and a gateway to the world.
“MTAC: Giving the Best of Lagos! A Greater Lagos Rising,” she stated.
