Lagos: The Lagos State Government has called for increased investment, improved connectivity, and stronger collaboration to unlock Africa’s tourism potential. Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), made this appeal at the AeroWest Summit 2026 in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Salu-Hundeyin emphasized that no airport, airline, or government could independently build a sustainable tourism economy, highlighting the need for stakeholders to work together. She invoked the words of Helen Keller, noting the power of collective action. Salu-Hundeyin stressed the importance of synergy among various sectors, including government, airlines, investors, and the creative industry, to bolster tourism.
Lagos has showcased its tourism potential, with over one million tourists visiting during the festive season of 2024. Salu-Hundeyin noted that the influx of visitors underscores the city’s attractiveness and urged stakeholders to facilitate easier access and movement for tourists. She also urged a regional outlook, recognizing West Africa’s tourism assets and the need for improved accessibility.
She identified aviation finance, regional connectivity, and tourism investment as critical components to making world-class destinations more accessible. She pointed out that aviation brings visitors, connectivity facilitates their movement, tourism provides reasons to stay, and investment sustains the ecosystem.
Ms. Ola Wright, CEO of the West African Tourism Organisation (WATO), echoed the sentiment, stating that Africa’s challenge is not a lack of destinations but the need for connectivity and investment architecture. She emphasized that aviation and tourism should not be planned in isolation, as tourism development depends on how visitors reach their destinations.
Wright highlighted the need to connect existing attractions to create viable tourism circuits and called for stronger links between West Africa and the Caribbean to promote shared history and culture.
Mr. Theordore Chikelu, Managing Director of Jet Afrique Aviation Services, noted the potential economic impact of improved intra-regional connectivity, estimating an additional $45 billion in GDP and two million jobs by 2030. He expressed concerns about the sectors operating below capacity due to poor connectivity and other challenges.
Chikelu emphasized the interdependence of aviation and tourism, stating that thriving tourism requires safe, affordable, and seamless air connectivity, while airlines need vibrant and accessible destinations to fill their seats.