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As the world marks World Tourism Day 2025 themed: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the Vice President, South East of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Ugwu Wilson Uche, has urged stakeholders to seize the moment to reposition tourism as a driver of economic growth and cultural renewal.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Uche said the theme resonates strongly with FTAN’s Tourism Transformation Mandate spearheaded by its President, Aliyu Badaki, PhD. The mandate calls for inclusiveness, innovation, and sustainability across Nigeria’s tourism value chain.
“For us in Nigeria, and particularly in the South East, the call to sustainable transformation is both urgent and timely.
“Alaigbo is blessed with rich culture, diverse heritage, and natural endowments, but its greatest asset remains its resilient and hospitable people,” he said.
He emphasized that tourism, when strategically developed, could unlock opportunities for job creation, youth empowerment, investment attraction, and regional branding.
According to him, the South East is primed to become a thriving tourism hub that tells its story, preserves cultural values, and protects the environment.
The FTAN Vice President stressed the need for collaboration among government, the private sector, and host communities to achieve sustainable results.
“Developing infrastructure, implementing forward-looking policies, and ensuring benefits flow equitably to local people are key to driving transformation,” he noted.
Uche reaffirmed his commitment to leading efforts that will align the region’s tourism sector with global standards.
“Through creativity, innovation, and excellence, we aim to rebrand Alaigbo and position it as a model of transformation for Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27, highlights tourism’s role as a powerful engine for development and cross-cultural understanding.
