Lagos to Host Historic Pan-African Tourism Summit: A New Blueprint for Continental Growth

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Lagos is set to become the epicentre of continental transformation as the African Travel Commission (ATC) prepares to host the inaugural Pan-African Tourism Summit and Exhibition. Scheduled for February 11–12, 2026, at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, this high-level assembly marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s hospitality and travel sectors.

The summit is a collaborative powerhouse, organised by the ATC in conjunction with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Adding significant weight to the initiative is the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), serving as a strategic partner. This alliance signals a departure from fragmented tourism efforts, moving instead toward a unified, policy-driven framework designed to attract global capital.

For decades, experts have noted that while Africa possesses unparalleled cultural wealth and natural wonders, its tourism sector has remained a sleeping giant. The 2026 summit seeks to wake this giant by repositioning tourism not just as a leisure sector, but as a primary engine for job creation, foreign exchange stability, and infrastructure modernisation.

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The ATC Tourism Summit is specifically structured to produce bankable results. Unlike previous talk shops, the Lagos exhibition will focus on the practicalities of the tourism value chain. The agenda is set to tackle the “hard” and “soft” infrastructure of travel, ranging from aviation and hospitality logistics to digital innovation and community-led conservation models.

By integrating the creative and cultural industries into the conversation, the ATC aims to ensure that Africa’s music, art, and fashion become central components of the visitor experience, driving inclusive growth for the continent’s burgeoning youth population.

Speaking ahead of the event, ATC Executive Director, Lucky Onoriode George, said Africa must begin to treat tourism as a serious economic industry rather than merely a leisure activity. He noted that tourism, when properly structured, serves as a catalyst for trade, infrastructure development and job creation.

A significant highlight of the summit will be the role of ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). To enhance intra-African mobility, the summit will address the long-standing hurdles of cross-border travel, visa facilitation, and regional transport connectivity.

The AfDB’s presence is equally crucial. By bringing development finance expertise to the table, the bank aims to help stakeholders develop bankable projects. This includes financing climate-smart tourism infrastructure and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the travel industry.

Under the theme “Accelerating Africa’s Tourism Growth through Innovation, Partnerships and Sustainable Investments”, the two-day event will cover:

Regulatory Reform: Harmonising policies across borders to make travel seamless.

Digital Transformation: Leveraging AI and fintech to modernise destination marketing and payments.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Creating frameworks where governments and private investors co-create value.

As the continent looks toward 2026, the Lagos Summit stands as a beacon for a self-reliant, prosperous Africa that finally capitalises on its greatest assets: its people and its heritage.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers 

When and where will the Pan-African Tourism Summit take place?

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

Who are the primary organisers and partners?

The event is organised by the African Travel Commission (ATC) in collaboration with NTDA and ECOWAS, with strategic support from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

What is the main objective of the summit?

The goal is to reposition tourism as a serious economic driver, focusing on investment, policy harmonisation, and the integration of tourism into the AfCFTA framework.

Why is the African Development Bank involved?

The AfDB provides investment credibility and financial expertise to help develop sustainable tourism infrastructure and bankable projects across the continent.