The Kwara State Government says it is exploring digital technology, creativity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to expand the state’s tourism sector and create new economic opportunities for residents.
The Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, disclosed this in a message marking the 2026 World Tourism Day, celebrated under the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
Olukoju said the theme reflects the growing influence of technology on tourism, particularly in how travellers discover destinations, plan trips, obtain information, make bookings and engage with attractions.
According to her, Kwara intends to use digital tools to improve the visibility of its tourist destinations, strengthen visitor experiences and open opportunities for young people, creatives, hospitality operators and other businesses connected to the tourism value chain.
She pointed to government investments in facilities including the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Sugar Film Factory and Visual Arts Centre as part of efforts to build an environment where technology, creativity and enterprise can develop.
The commissioner said the Sugar Film Factory was established to support film production and creative businesses while giving young people opportunities to develop their talents and participate in the creative economy.
She also identified the Ilorin Innovation Hub as an important part of the state’s digital development plans, with its focus on technology, entrepreneurship, innovation and digital skills. Olukoju said government-backed digital literacy programmes had reached thousands of young people across Kwara’s 16 local government areas.
The state is also developing tourism-related infrastructure. Olukoju highlighted the Ilorin International Conference Centre, which she said would provide space for conferences, exhibitions and other events capable of attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
On cultural heritage, she mentioned the Dada Pottery facility, describing it as an initiative aimed at preserving traditional pottery while creating opportunities for artisans, particularly women and young people.
Olukoju said the economic benefits of tourism could extend beyond hotels and tourist attractions to transportation, food, entertainment, fashion, agriculture, crafts, technology and small businesses.
She further stressed the importance of developing the skills of people working in the sector. According to her, the administration has provided training and capacity-building programmes for workers, entrepreneurs and young people in areas including AI, digital skills and modern workplace practices.
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The commissioner encouraged tourism operators, hospitality businesses, tour guides, creatives and cultural organisations to adopt digital technology and AI while collaborating with government to develop what she described as an innovative, inclusive and sustainable tourism ecosystem.
She also called on filmmakers, photographers, content creators, software developers, fashion designers, chefs, artists and other entrepreneurs to use digital platforms to promote Kwara’s attractions and culture.
Olukoju, however, stressed that technology should support rather than replace the human side of tourism, noting that Kwara’s culture, hospitality, stories and identity would remain central to the visitor experience.
She congratulated tourism practitioners, hospitality operators, investors, artisans, cultural custodians, creatives and other stakeholders on World Tourism Day.
The commissioner also reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Communications, working with the Kwara State Hospitality and Tourism Development Board, Kwara State Arts Council and other relevant institutions, to promoting the state’s cultural assets and tourism potential.
“Together, let us redesign tourism. Together, let us embrace innovation. And together, let us take Kwara to the world,” she said.