The Lagos State Government and private sector stakeholders have called for stronger tourism partnerships within Africa, saying increased travel and cultural exchange across the continent can drive economic growth and create new opportunities.
The call was made during the launch of Kenya Holiday Tour 2026 held at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, where government officials and industry players highlighted the need for Africans to explore destinations within the continent.
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, represented by Permanent Secretary Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, said the initiative aligns with the state government’s efforts to expand tourism as a key part of the economy.
She described the programme as a welcome development, noting that organised travel from Lagos to Nairobi would benefit both Nigeria and Kenya through spending, business activity and stronger people-to-people ties.
According to her, Lagos is well positioned to lead similar tourism initiatives, adding that the state also hopes to attract visitors from other African countries through reciprocal travel programmes.
She said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration sees tourism as an important driver of Lagos’ long-term economic transformation and a major contributor to a modern service-based economy.
One of the organisers and Chief Executive Officer of Leisure Republic, Michael Kadiri, said the project was designed to change how African leisure travel is perceived.
He argued that tourism within Africa has often been undervalued, despite the continent offering premium hospitality, rich culture and world-class experiences.
Kadiri said the launch of the Kenya package was not just about promoting a destination, but about creating a higher standard for travel within Africa.
Managing Director of SAHCO Aviation, Olaniyi Adigun, also expressed support for the programme, especially from the aviation perspective.
He said Africans have traditionally focused on travelling to Europe and North America, but stressed that the time had come to prioritise African destinations and build stronger travel networks within the continent.
Brand ambassador for the initiative and Afrobeats artiste Damilola Afolabi said he would use digital platforms to promote positive stories about Kenya and Africa generally.
He noted that social media would play an important role in attracting younger travellers and reshaping perceptions about tourism opportunities on the continent.
Industry observers say stronger intra-African tourism could help airlines, hotels, transport services, entertainment businesses and local economies, while also deepening regional integration.
The renewed push comes as African governments and businesses continue seeking new ways to unlock tourism potential and reduce dependence on markets outside the continent.
