UN Tourism, the global apex body for tourism, and the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) are set to establish a tourism academy in Lagos.

The initiative is to jointly promote Lagos as Africa’s premier tourism hub.

The decision was reached by the two organisations during a roundtable in Lagos.

According to them, the initiative is part of efforts towards the realisation of ETF’s objectives.

These include showcasing tourism opportunities that abound in Lagos State.

Lai Mohammed, former minister of information and culture and chairman of ETF’s Board of Trustees and Governing Council, led the foundation’s delegation to the meeting.

Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general, who led the UN tourism delegation, noted that Lagos has everything to make it Africa’s tourism hub.

These, he said, include its fashion, music, festivals, gastronomy and nightlife.

He pledged to work with ETF in developing MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) infrastructure in Lagos.

Mr Pololikashvili also accepted ETF’s invitation to serve as the patron and honorary member of the foundation.

This was in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sustainable tourism development worldwide.

Earlier, Mr Mohammed told the visiting UN delegation that the issue of insecurity in Nigeria had been grossly exaggerated.

He said tourists who recently visited the country often expressed regret for believing false and negative narratives about Nigeria.

He cited ‘Detty December’, a cultural phenomenon that had placed Lagos on the global tourism map, as clear evidence of the city’s vibrancy and appeal as a preferred destination.

He noted that more than 20,000 events are held in Lagos monthly, underscoring the need for purpose-built event centres and related facilities to support the city’s dynamic entertainment and creative industries.

According to him, such infrastructure would allow global music stars like Burna Boy, Davido and Wizkid to stage major concerts locally rather than taking such opportunities abroad.

The former minister said Eko Tourism Foundation was established to create an inclusive forum for government and private sector collaboration on tourism in Nigeria.

It is to serve as a partner of choice for both local and international stakeholders in the tourism industry and to champion the global marketing of Destination Lagos.

He said by extension, Destination Nigeria would serve as a driver of sustainable socio-economic development.

Other members of the ETF’s delegation included Erelu Abiola Dosumu, member, Board of Trustees, and Tunde Lawrenson, secretary, Board of Trustees and Governing Council.

Others included Karl Hala, member, Governing Council; Abiola Adelana, treasurer, Governing Council; and Sharon Ashinze, assistant secretary, Governing Council.

The UN tourism secretary-general was accompanied by Elcia Grandcourt, director of the regional department for Africa; Shirin El Tayan, chief of protocol; and Kojo Bentum-Williams, communications senior expert.

(NAN)