Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the tourism sector and position the State as a smart tourism hub.
The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, stated this in a paper he delivered to mark the 2026 World Tourism Day held at Oke-mosan, Abeokuta, with the theme: ‘Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism’, describing the theme as a call to action for stakeholders to deploy emerging technologies to make tourism more inclusive, equitable and sustainable.
Fagbayi, explained that the present administration was integrating digital innovation into its tourism transformation strategy, stressing that Ogun must become not only a tourism destination, but also a smart tourism hub.
He identified the construction of access roads to the Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station, as well as the renovation and revamping of the Olumo Rock Tourist Centre, as part of efforts to improve connectivity and enhance visitors’ experiences.
The Tourism Boss, disclosed that the government was investing in digital skills for tourism workers, supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), to leverage AI and creating platforms to ensure that emerging destinations were not left behind.
Fagbayi, stressed that Ogun’s digital tourism agenda would remain people- and community-focused, adding that the government was determined to build an open, inclusive and human-centred digital future that would use technology to drive sustainable tourism development and expand opportunities across the State.
In his speech, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, whose message was delivered by the Commissioner, stated that Artificial Intelligence was reshaping the tourism industry by changing how travellers select destinations, how businesses operate and how travel experiences are designed.
He noted that the growing application of AI in tourism could strengthen small businesses, improve service delivery and create new opportunities for destinations by helping tourism operators better understand travellers’ needs as well as reach wider markets.
The UN Secretary-General, however, cautioned that technology must be developed and applied responsibly to prevent tourists from being directed repeatedly to the same destinations and digital platforms, which could leave emerging and less-known destinations behind.
He stressed the need for tourism workers, local communities and emerging destinations to have a voice in shaping the future of digital tourism, noting that investment in digital skills and wider access to technology would be essential to achieving an inclusive tourism ecosystem.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Quudus Yusuff, highlighted the functions of the Department of Tourism, which included; increasing public awareness of the State’s tourism potential, strengthening partnerships with tour operators and practitioners and building a more robust Department of Tourism Promotion and Development through broader government support and stakeholder’s networking.
He said these efforts were aimed at positioning Ogun State as a leading and widely recognised tourism destination.
Dr. Yusuff, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to harnessing the State’s cultural and natural attractions for sustainable tourism growth, adding that this year’s observance would translate into concrete initiatives and broader participation in future World Tourism Day events.
In his welcome address, the Director of Tourism Development and Promotion, Mr. Michael Ogunbiyi, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Rasak Abdulsalam, said this year’s theme underscored tourism as a dynamic sector, noting that digital solutions would enable destinations to reach wider and more diverse audiences while strengthening sustainable development objectives.
No comments:
Post a Comment