Ekiti State’s growing push to turn its natural attractions and cultural assets into economic opportunities has earned it recognition as one of Nigeria’s Most Active Tourism States for the third consecutive tourism year, strengthening its ambition to become a more prominent player in the country’s domestic tourism economy.
The recognition, announced by Ikechi Uko, president of Akwaaba African Travel Market, extends Ekiti’s run from the 2023/2024 tourism year through 2025/2026.
Beyond the award, the three-year streak provides the state with a growing platform to market its tourism assets, attract private-sector participation and build a stronger economic ecosystem around hospitality, transportation, culture and related services.
Tourism has increasingly become an area of focus for subnational governments seeking to diversify economic activity beyond traditional sources of public revenue. For Ekiti, the strategy has centred on developing and promoting its natural attractions while improving the infrastructure needed to make destinations more accessible.
Among the sites receiving attention are the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Arinta Waterfalls, Ugele Rock Shelter, Oke Sagbonke, Abanijorin Rock of Wonders and the Oke Ewo War Site.
A key element of Ekiti’s tourism strategy is the connection between destination development and transport infrastructure.
The state has linked its tourism ambitions to investments such as the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, which it says could improve access for visitors while supporting wider economic activities across the state.
For tourism destinations, accessibility remains one of the most important determinants of commercial success. Attractions may possess significant natural or cultural value, but limited transport connections, inadequate accommodation and weak supporting infrastructure can restrict visitor numbers and private investment.
Improved connectivity could therefore help Ekiti convert more of its tourism assets into commercially viable destinations, while stimulating demand for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transport services and small businesses.
The challenge, however, will be moving from destination promotion to building a sustainable tourism value chain capable of generating recurring visitor spending.
Ekiti was previously named among Nigeria’s Most Active Tourism States for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 tourism years, making the latest recognition its third consecutive appearance.
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji was also recognised as Tourism Governor of the Year 2025, according to the organisers.
The state is expected to receive a commemorative plaque on September 13 during the Wonders of Nigeria Expo at the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos.
While industry recognition does not automatically translate into increased visitor numbers or investment, a sustained record is expected to strengthen Ekiti’s visibility within Nigeria’s increasingly competitive domestic tourism market.
The bigger economic opportunity lies in whether the state can use that visibility to attract investors into accommodation, leisure facilities, destination management, transport and other tourism-supporting businesses.
