Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi are among the prominent figures expected to participate in the 2025 Domestic Tourism Conference, scheduled for September 5–6 in Enugu.
Chief Ben Etiaba, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Jands Travel Business School (JTBS)—the organizers of the event—confirmed this after commissioning the conference’s planning committee at an event in Enugu.
This year’s conference is themed: “The Future of Domestic Tourism in Nigeria: Celebrating Our Arts and Culture,” and it seeks to elevate the profile of local tourism, especially across the Southeast. Etiaba noted that the upcoming edition will be larger and more dynamic, focusing on the fusion of culture, the arts, and entrepreneurship in tourism.
Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike, a JTBS board advisor and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Jos, emphasized the significance of tourism in driving economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and creating opportunities for youth. He officially inaugurated the planning committee during a ceremony held at the Ofu Obi Africa Centre in Enugu.
Chioma Obi, Director at JTBS, shared that preparations are well underway. She explained that the conference is designed to bring together industry stakeholders, including creatives, policymakers, investors, and business leaders. “It will serve as a space for policy discussions, foster collaboration across sectors, and highlight the richness of Nigeria’s cultural identity,” she said.
In addition to keynote sessions, the event will include training workshops, mentorship masterclasses for aspiring entrepreneurs, and showcase investment prospects within the local tourism industry.
Other dignitaries expected at the event include Dr. Gabe Onah, Chairman of the Calabar Carnival; Elizabeth Agu, former CBN Branch Controller in Asaba; and Emeka Sibeudu, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Ultimately, the conference aims to strengthen tourism initiatives, promote cultural pride, and empower the youth through sustainable travel and creative industry development.
