TOURISM COMMISSIONER OPENS TRAVELPRENEUR CONFERENCE, EXPO 2025

… Reaffirms Commitment to Vibrant Tourism Sector
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka has reaffirmed the commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to positioning Lagos as Africa’s cultural heartbeat and a globally competitive tourism destination.
She gave the assurance on Friday, September 19, 2025, while delivering her goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the Travelpreneur Conference and Expo (TRVCON Expo) 2025, held at Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to her, the Expo provides an important platform to celebrate innovation, creativity, and enterprise within the travel and tourism ecosystem.
The Commissioner, represented by Deputy Director from the Research and Development Department in the Ministry, Emmanuel Benson Okwuokenyen, noted that the gathering is also an avenue to advance strategic conversations around investment, sustainability, and digital transformation, which she described as key growth drivers in today’s global tourism landscape.
“Tourism remains a cornerstone of our administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda, and we are committed to building a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive destination that not only creates jobs and wealth but also projects Lagos as Africa’s cultural heartbeat,” the Commissioner said.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka commended the organisers of the TRVCON Expo for their vision and dedication to empowering travel entrepreneurs and creating platforms for collaboration. She further described the event as a credible voice shaping the future of tourism on the continent.
The Commissioner also expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed upon her during the conference, stressing that the recognition was not for her alone but for the entire Lagos State Government under Governor Sanwo-Olu, whose unwavering support has continued to drive the growth of tourism, arts, and culture in the State.
Declaring the Expo open, she encouraged participants to take full advantage of the sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibitions to build sustainable partnerships that will move the industry forward.
“Together, let us continue to reposition tourism, not just as leisure, but as a catalyst for economic development, cultural diplomacy, and social inclusion,” she said.
The Travelpreneur Conference and Expo 2025 is one of the leading gatherings of stakeholders across the tourism, travel, and hospitality value chain, fostering collaboration and spotlighting opportunities for growth across Africa.
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