The Lagos State Government joined the global community in commemorating 2026 World Tourism Day on Sunday, 27th September, 2026, with renewed emphasis on innovation, digital transformation and the use of emerging technologies to strengthen the tourism sector.
This year’s theme: “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”.
The annual celebration, commemorated by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, provides an opportunity to highlight the growing importance of technology and innovation in shaping how destinations are promoted, tourism experiences are delivered, and visitors engage with cultural and creative offerings.
For Lagos, a major hub for tourism, entertainment, arts and culture, the increasing adoption of digital tools presents opportunities to improve destination visibility, enhance visitor experiences, support tourism businesses and expand access to the State's rich cultural and creative assets.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the State Government remains committed to positioning Lagos at the forefront of innovation-driven tourism development while preserving the cultural heritage and distinctive identity that continue to attract visitors to the State.
According to her, the future of tourism requires a deliberate embrace of technology, data and innovation, particularly as travellers increasingly depend on digital platforms to discover destinations, plan journeys, access information and share their experiences.
Benson-Awoyinka noted that digital transformation also has significant implications for tourism operators, creatives and other players across the value chain, offering new channels for marketing, audience engagement, business development and access to wider markets.
She said, “Lagos recognises that the future of tourism is closely connected to innovation and digital transformation. As a State with a vibrant tourism, creative and cultural ecosystem, we must continue to explore how technology can improve the visitor experience, create opportunities for our people and strengthen the entire tourism value chain.”
The Commissioner added that the State would continue to encourage collaboration among government, private-sector operators, investors, creatives, technology innovators and other stakeholders in developing a tourism ecosystem that is innovative, sustainable and responsive to changing global trends.
She further emphasised the importance of ensuring that the adoption of technology complements rather than diminishes Lagos’ cultural identity, heritage and hospitality, stressing that the State’s distinctive cultural assets remain central to its tourism appeal.
As Lagos joins the global tourism community to mark the occasion, the Ministry calls on stakeholders across the tourism and creative sectors to embrace innovation, explore new possibilities and contribute to building a more accessible, sustainable and digitally connected tourism economy.
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