By Janefrances Chibuzor
The third edition of the Domestic Tourism Festival (DTF 2026) has attracted 1,287 participants to Enugu, bringing together tourism stakeholders from Nigeria and beyond.
A new book, Principles of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Volume A, was reviewed and unveiled at the festival as stakeholders emphasised the importance of knowledge in strengthening the tourism and hospitality sector.
The festival also spotlighted technology, with Onstage founder Anthony Osabuohien highlighting digital experiences as a tool for connecting African destinations with audiences unable to travel physically.
ENUGU, NIGERIA — The third edition of the Domestic Tourism Festival (DTF 2026) has combined industry dialogue with knowledge development, featuring the book review and unveiling of Principles of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Volume A, alongside discussions on technology, innovation and the future of domestic tourism in Nigeria.
The festival, which has attracted 1,287 participants, is holding at the Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu, under the theme, “Innovation and Technology for Peaceful Domestic Tourism.”
The book was unveiled in the presence of tourism and hospitality stakeholders from Nigeria and other countries, adding a knowledge-sharing dimension to the three-day festival and highlighting the growing need for professional literature to support the development of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
The book review and unveiling formed part of the highlights of the festival, which has brought together government officials, tourism operators, investors, academics, development partners and community representatives to examine opportunities and challenges confronting domestic tourism.
Founder of Jands Travel Business School, organisers of DTF, Mrs Chioma Obi, said the festival was established on the belief that Nigeria’s tourism assets could be transformed into opportunities for economic growth, cultural preservation and national development.
Obi said DTF had, three years after its establishment, evolved into a national platform connecting government, industry, academia, entrepreneurs, investors, development partners and communities.
She noted that technology was increasingly changing the way travellers discover destinations, plan journeys, preserve heritage and market tourism experiences.
However, she stressed that technology must complement, rather than replace, the human and cultural elements of tourism.
Digital Tourism Takes Centre Stage
The festival also featured discussions on the emerging role of digital technology in expanding access to African tourism experiences.
Founder of Onstage, Anthony Osabuohien, said digital platforms could enable people to experience destinations, festivals and cultural events remotely, particularly those unable to travel physically.
He said the technology could provide African destinations with additional channels to engage the diaspora and international audiences while keeping prospective visitors connected before, during and after physical visits.
The development reflects the broader focus of DTF 2026 on using innovation to expand domestic tourism, improve destination visibility and create new opportunities across Nigeria’s tourism value chain.
The festival is supported by the Enugu State Government, Flyzone Tourism, United Nigeria Airlines, Jands Travel Network, Enugu Air, NANTA, Aviation Beatable Journeys, TG Travel and Bereeth Travels and Tours, among other stakeholders.
