By Janefrances Chibuzor
NANTA Eastern Zone Vice President Ayoola Olatunji has called for investment in young tourism innovators, saying Nigeria has the talent needed to transform the sector.
Olatunji praised Enugu’s tourism development plans, including the proposed 700-metre canopy walk and zip line, describing the state as an emerging tourism hub.
The tourism entrepreneur said Chioma Obi’s new book, The Principles of Tourism and Hospitality Management, combines academic knowledge with practical industry experience.
The Vice President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Eastern Zone, Engr. Ayoola Olatunji, has urged investors to support young tourism innovators, saying Nigeria has enough talent to drive the sector’s digital transformation.
Olatunji made the call while participating in the Domestic Tourism Festival in Enugu, where he served on the jury for a pitch session featuring young tourism entrepreneurs and innovators.
He said the ideas presented by the finalists showed that young Nigerians were already developing ways to use technology to improve tourism.
“There are talents in Nigeria. If we harness these talents properly, we will be able to engage the younger, upcoming tourism professionals,” he said.
According to him, some of the ideas were ready for investment, while others were still at the development stage and required further work.
He therefore encouraged investors to go beyond verbal support by providing funding and other resources to help promising ideas become viable tourism businesses.
Olatunji also praised the festival’s organiser, Jands Travel Network Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Chioma Obi, for bringing together tourism professionals, young entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.
He said the event exceeded his expectations, particularly because of the range of activities, including the conference, book unveiling, tourism experiences and pitch competition.
He described Obi’s book, The Principles of Tourism and Hospitality Management, as a useful resource for both students and people seeking to build careers or businesses in tourism and hospitality.
Olatunji said the book combines tourism theories with practical industry experience, making it relevant to people who want to understand how the sector works beyond the classroom.
The tourism entrepreneur also expressed optimism about Enugu’s tourism prospects, citing ongoing projects by the state government.
He specifically mentioned the planned 700-metre canopy walk and zip line, saying the projects could strengthen Enugu’s position as a tourism destination.
“For me, Enugu will really be a hub for tourism,” he said.Olatunji, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Bereeth Travel and Tours and founder of Bertab Journeys in Rwanda, said his involvement in the festival was driven by his interest in supporting tourism development.
His own journey into tourism began after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his export business. A lover of travel, he turned his attention to tourism and formally registered his travel company in 2022.
His subsequent interest in Rwanda led to a 2023 exploratory visit, where he met a Rwandan tourism professional.
Their shared interest in tourism eventually resulted in a partnership and the establishment of Beatable Journeys in Rwanda.
Olatunji said the travel business remains seasonal, requiring operators to diversify destinations, research new markets and build partnerships during periods of lower demand.
For him, tourism growth will depend not only on destinations and infrastructure but also on developing people and giving young innovators the resources to turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
