Enugu State on Saturday, September 27, joined the rest of the world to mark the 2025 World Tourism Day with a series of events highlighting the city’s rich artistic heritage and its rising profile as a regional and national tourism hub.
Speaking on ETV’s Spotlight programme,which was monitored by EnuguDaily, Mr. Uche Wilson, Vice President (South East) of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), said this year’s celebration, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” was deliberately focused on promoting the arts as a driver of economic growth and cultural preservation.
Wilson revealed that Enugu’s commemoration featured visits to some of the state’s most important art spaces, including the IMT Art Gallery, Center for Memories, N Gallery, and Bona Art Gallery—the first privately owned gallery in the Southeast.
“We chose to celebrate our artists and curators who spend sleepless nights creating timeless works but often struggle to find buyers. By spotlighting these galleries, we are encouraging patronage and preserving Enugu’s historic identity as the home of art and sculpture,” he said.
Wilson cautioned that rapid urban development without adequate recreational planning threatens tourism potential across Nigeria.
“When we build estates without parks, gardens, or leisure spaces, we distort the ecosystem that supports tourism,” he explained, urging developers and policymakers to integrate green spaces and cultural centers into urban projects.
He added that FTAN is working with government and tertiary institutions to strengthen tourism education and provide hands-on training for students, ensuring a new generation of skilled professionals in hospitality, tour guiding, and cultural management.
Commending the Enugu State Government for its growing investment in tourism infrastructure, Wilson highlighted key projects such as the revival of the International Conference Center, the renovation of the historic Presidential Hotel, the planned 360-room luxury hotel, and the proposed Enugu Airline to improve connectivity.
“Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has made tourism a cornerstone of its development agenda. The revival of key facilities and beautification of city landmarks show a clear commitment to making Enugu a prime destination for conferences, culture, and leisure,” he noted.
While praising improvements in urban security, Wilson stressed the need to extend safety measures to rural tourist sites and engage traditional rulers and local communities.
“Tourism cannot thrive without the people. Communities must be part of the security architecture, and traditional institutions should help preserve our heritage while ensuring visitor safety,” he said.
FTAN, he added, plans to introduce community-based tourism agents across Enugu’s 200 communities to create jobs, reduce rural-urban migration, and give locals a sense of ownership over tourist attractions.
Wilson underscored tourism’s potential to tackle unemployment, boost internally generated revenue, and foster cultural pride if properly institutionalized.
“The best way to achieve sustainable transformation is through tourism. It creates jobs, promotes our heritage, and attracts global attention to our unique destinations,” he concluded.
