The Ekiti State Government has announced that a United Nations Tourism’s (UN Tourism) team will visit the state for  a Technical Assessment Mission to evaluate the state’s tourism assets.  The visit is billed for  Saturday, August 17th to Thursday, August 22nd, 2024.

According to a release signed by the state tourism board’s director general, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre,  the visit marks a pivotal moment in Ekiti State’s efforts to boost its tourism sector under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

The visit from the UNWTO experts, he says, comes as a strategic move aimed at evaluating the tourism potential of Ekiti State and aligning its tourism assets with international standards. This initiative is expected to have far-reaching impacts on Ekiti’s socio-economic development, tourism visibility, and global recognition.

According to the release, key benefits of the visit include: expert assessment of tourism assets in Ekiti State as the UN Tourism team will  the UN Tourism team will carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the state’s tourism assets, ensuring that Ekiti’s Tourism Policy and Master Plan are up to international standards and best practices. This will lay the groundwork for structured growth in the sector and ensure sustainable tourism development.

The team will also  identify potential sites for UNESCO World Heritage status, as such a designation would further enhance Ekiti’s cultural tourism value and open new avenues for international collaboration and recognition;  it will also help to increase international recognition for Ekiti State’s tourism sector;  it will help the state access to Global Funding and Resources, and help grow the economy of the state and increased tourist inflow.

In the same vein, the  Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming mission, stating, “The UN Tourism team’s visit is a testament to Ekiti State’s rich cultural heritage and untapped tourism potential. We are confident that this engagement will unlock new opportunities for growth, positioning Ekiti as a leading tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond.”