Lagos Set to Host Landmark Pan-African Tourism Summit and Exhibition

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Lagos is set to become the focal point of Africa’s tourism transformation agenda as the African Travel Commission (ATC) hosts a landmark Pan-African Tourism Summit and Exhibition from February 11–12, 2026, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos. This isn’t just another industry meet-and-greet; it is a high-level continental gathering aimed at repositioning tourism as a strategic driver of economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development across the continent.

The summit is being organised by the African Travel Commission in collaboration with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with strategic partnership support from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). It is expected to attract policymakers, investors, development partners and industry leaders from across the continent and beyond.

The timing is critical. Despite Africa’s vast cultural heritage, natural attractions and youthful population, tourism remains one of the continent’s most underused economic sectors. Development experts note that the industry holds significant potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, infrastructure development and inclusive growth if it is properly structured and coordinated.

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The ATC Tourism Summit and Exhibition is designed to move beyond rhetoric, focusing on practical, actionable strategies to unlock the full value of tourism’s value chain. Discussions will span transportation and hospitality, creative industries, digital innovation and community-based tourism.

Speaking ahead of the event, Lucky Onoriode George, executive director of ATC, said that Africa must begin to treat tourism as a serious economic industry rather than merely a leisure activity.

“Tourism is trade, tourism is infrastructure, tourism is employment. When properly structured, it becomes a powerful tool for economic diversification and regional integration,” he said.

George added that the collaboration between ATC, NTDA, ECOWAS and AfDB reflects a growing recognition that tourism development requires strong institutional coordination and aligned policy frameworks.

As a hosting partner, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority is expected to showcase Nigeria’s renewed tourism vision, highlighting opportunities across culture, heritage, entertainment, ecotourism, and domestic travel. For Nigeria, hosting the summit underscores Lagos’ role as a gateway city and a regional hub for business, culture and connectivity.

ECOWAS’s involvement emphasises cross-border travel facilitation, regional cooperation, and intra-African mobility, particularly within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This alignment is vital for a continent where travelling between neighbouring countries can sometimes be more difficult than flying to another hemisphere.

Meanwhile, the African Development Bank Group’s strategic partnership brings investment credibility and development finance expertise, reinforcing the need for bankable tourism projects, infrastructure financing and sustainable investment models across the continent.

Held under the theme “Accelerating Africa’s Tourism Growth through Innovation, Partnerships and Sustainable Investments, the summit will focus on:

Policy & Reform: Harmonisation of tourism regulations across borders.

Infrastructure: Financing for world-class destinations and transport links.

Digital Transformation: Leveraging AI and data for destination marketing.

Sustainability: Climate-smart and community-driven tourism models.

Entrepreneurship: Boosting SME participation in the tourism value chain.

The exhibition segment will provide a platform for African destinations, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality brands, travel technology companies, and cultural institutions to showcase their products, services, and investment opportunities.

ATC said the summit comes at a critical moment for Africa, as shifting global travel patterns, a growing interest in experiential tourism, and rising intra-African travel present a unique opportunity for the continent to reposition itself as a unified and competitive global destination.

“Collaboration, not competition, is the key to the future of African tourism,” the commission stated, emphasising that the summit will give African countries a united voice, attract significant investment, and protect the interests of travellers and host communities.

Beyond dialogue, the ATC Tourism Summit and Exhibition is expected to deliver concrete outcomes, including policy recommendations, investment commitments, partnership frameworks and implementation roadmaps to guide tourism development efforts across regions. For Lagos and Nigeria, the event reinforces the country’s growing role in shaping continental discussions on tourism, trade and development.

As Africa seeks sustainable pathways to growth, all eyes will turn to Lagos, where tourism, policy, and investment will converge to shape the continent’s next chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) And Answers

1. When and where is the Pan-African Tourism Summit being held?

The summit is scheduled for February 11–12, 2026, at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

2. Who are the primary organisers for the event?

The event is organised by the African Travel Commission (ATC) in partnership with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), ECOWAS, and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

3. What is the main theme of the 2026 summit?

The theme is “Accelerating Africa’s Tourism Growth through Innovation, Partnerships and Sustainable Investments.”

4. Can SMEs and startups participate in the exhibition?

Yes. One of the core focuses of the summit is youth entrepreneurship and SME participation. Brands and tech companies specifically design the exhibition segment to showcase their services.

5. How does this summit relate to the AfCFTA?

The summit emphasises regional integration and intra-African mobility, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s goals to make cross-border travel and trade more seamless.