ATPN South-West Leaders Advocate Stronger Partnerships to Drive Tourism Development
ABEOKUTA, Ogun State — The South-West leadership of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has called on stakeholders in the tourism industry to embrace strategic collaboration as a key driver of sustainable growth and economic development across the region.
The call was made during the inaugural General Physical Meeting of the Ogun State Chapter of ATPN held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Speaking at the event, the South-West representative on the Board of Trustees (BOT) of ATPN, Alhaji (Dr.) Balogun Sekoni Tarzan, stressed the need for stronger partnerships among tourism practitioners, government agencies, private sector operators and industry associations to unlock the region’s vast tourism potential.
According to him, meaningful progress in the tourism sector can only be achieved through unity of purpose and coordinated efforts aimed at destination development, cultural preservation, investment promotion and job creation.
Dr. Tarzan noted that the South-West region is richly endowed with tourism assets capable of transforming local economies and boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global tourism market if effectively harnessed through collective action and strategic alliances.
Also speaking, the National Vice President of ATPN for the South-West Region, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to strengthening institutional structures across the region through active membership engagement, capacity building, data-driven planning and other strategic initiatives.
He commended the Ogun State Chapter for successfully hosting its inaugural general meeting, describing the event as a major milestone in efforts to build a stronger and more vibrant tourism community in the state.
Hon. Apata further highlighted the ongoing regional membership registration and documentation exercise recently launched across the six South-West states. He said the initiative is designed to create a comprehensive database of tourism practitioners, strengthen professional identity and improve coordination between regional chapters and the national body.
The meeting also featured the official flag-off of activities leading to the South-West International Tourism Expo (SWITEX) 2026, a regional tourism showcase expected to attract industry leaders, investors, policymakers, tourism operators, cultural organisations and development partners from within and outside Nigeria.
Stakeholders at the gathering expressed optimism that the renewed focus on collaboration championed by ATPN’s regional leadership would enhance destination marketing, attract investment and create more opportunities for tourism practitioners across the South-West.
The event drew participation from tourism professionals, government officials, association leaders and other stakeholders committed to advancing tourism and hospitality development in Ogun State and the wider South-West region.
