September 27, (THEWILL) — Nigeria, on Saturday, joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Tourism Day (WTD) 2025, observed globally under the theme “Tourism and Peace.” The commemoration provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on tourism’s growing role in fostering dialogue, strengthening economies, and building bridges across communities. In the South East, Uche Wilson Ugwu, Vice President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), used the occasion to call for a renewed focus on repositioning the region’s tourism potential as a catalyst for both peace and prosperity.
As the world marked WTD 2025 with the theme “Tourism and Peace”, Mr Uche Wilson Ugwu, Vice President (South East) of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), has stressed that tourism remains one of the strongest instruments for promoting peace and prosperity if properly developed in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking to commemorate the occasion, Ugwu argued that while politics often widens divides, tourism unites people, strengthens intercultural exchange and creates economic opportunities. “Tourism allows communities to see each other not as rivals but as hosts and guests, which builds trust and shared prosperity”, he said.
For Nigeria, faced with ethnic, economic and security challenges, tourism offers not only a route to recovery but also a neutral platform for dialogue. Ugwu warned, however, that infrastructure gaps, insecurity and weak government support remain serious obstacles. “When roads are inaccessible, when airports are poorly managed, or when insecurity discourages travel, we undermine our own chances of development”, he added.
He stressed that government, private operators and host communities must work together to make tourism inclusive and people-centred. According to him, the South East, with its rich cultural festivals and heritage sites, can benefit immensely from targeted investments in roads, security and marketing.
Ugwu also highlighted the role of technology. He noted that community-based tourism and digital marketing platforms are creating fresh opportunities for youth and women. “With a phone, a community in Nsukka or Afikpo can showcase its festivals and attract visitors from Lagos, Nairobi or even Europe”, he said.
Beyond job creation, Ugwu emphasised tourism’s role in reducing youth restiveness. “If a young man in Enugu has an opportunity to serve as a local guide, craft seller or cultural performer, that may keep him from being recruited into violence”, he explained.
Looking beyond Nigeria, Ugwu argued that Africa must brand itself better and work more collaboratively. “Africa must market its diversity as an asset, not a weakness. We are stronger when we show the world that our differences are a richness, not a barrier.”
He also called on African governments to make regional travel easier, citing the need for visa reforms and tourism corridors. “A traveller should be able to visit Lagos, Accra, Abidjan and Dakar with ease, the same way one can move across Europe.”
Ultimately, Ugwu maintained that every cultural festival, heritage site and tourist interaction has the power to either fuel division or strengthen unity. His vision is for an inclusive, technology-driven and peace-centred industry that positions Nigeria and Africa as global destinations of choice.
“Tourism is not just about leisure. It is about identity, pride, culture and survival. When properly managed, it is one of the greatest weapons against poverty and conflict. Nigeria and Africa cannot afford to ignore this”, Ugwu concluded.
