By Yinka Kolawole & Adaobi AbimbolaThe Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for the development of a digitally intelligent tourism ecosystem in Nigeria, urging the government and private sector to leverage artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure and data-driven solutions to unlock the sector’s economic potentialPresident of LCCI, Engr. ”Kupoluyi said digital technologies were fundamentally transforming the global tourism industry, changing how travellers discover destinations, plan journeys, make bookings and experience hospitality services.
He noted that Nigeria could leverage AI and digital innovation to boost tourism’s contribution to economic diversification, citing the country’s rich cultural heritage, festivals, historical sites, beaches, wildlife, cuisine and entertainment industry as significant tourism assets. “The opportunity, therefore, is not simply to put tourism online. It is to build a data-driven tourism ecosystem,” he said. The LCCI president called for a coherent national digital tourism strategy integrating tourism with telecommunications, transportation, aviation, culture, immigration, security, finance and digital economy policies.
He identified reliable broadband connectivity and electricity as critical infrastructure for digital tourism, stressing the need to expand affordable, quality internet access across tourism destinations. Kupoluyi also urged the government to establish an appropriate regulatory framework for responsible AI, highlighting data privacy, cybersecurity, consumer protection and accountability as essential safeguards. He advocated interoperable digital public infrastructure, more efficient digital visa and immigration processes, and seamless integration of tourism services to improve visitors’ experiences.
He said Nigeria’s ambition should be to create an ecosystem where visitors could discover destinations, obtain information, secure visas, book accommodation, make payments and navigate attractions seamlessly.