World Tourism Day: Dauda Advocates Digital Innovation, AI To Redesign Tourism
The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Council, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has called for greater adoption of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform tourism, preserve cultural heritage and create new economic opportunities.
Dauda made the call in his message to mark World Tourism Day 2026, with this year’s theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
The Ikeja Council boss noted that technology was rapidly transforming the way people discover destinations, plan journeys and experience tourism, stressing that Ikeja must position itself to benefit from the emerging digital tourism economy.
According to him, Ikeja’s strategic position as a major commercial, transportation and hospitality hub in Lagos, coupled with its rich history, cultural heritage, culinary experiences, creative enterprises and recreational attractions, gives the Local Government significant tourism potential.
He explained that Artificial Intelligence and digital platforms could be deployed to document, promote and improve access to Ikeja’s tourism assets through digital mapping, virtual experiences, intelligent travel assistants, multilingual content, personalised recommendations and data-driven tourism planning.
Dauda further disclosed that his administration would continue to support initiatives aimed at increasing the digital visibility of local attractions, strengthening the creative and hospitality sectors, encouraging youth participation and promoting technology-driven enterprises across the tourism value chain.
The Chairman particularly highlighted the opportunities available to young people, noting that the digital transformation of tourism could create new career paths for youths as tour guides, digital storytellers, content creators, photographers, filmmakers, developers, hospitality entrepreneurs and cultural heritage promoters.
He, however, stressed that the adoption of technology must complement rather than undermine the authenticity of local culture, adding that digital tools should be used to preserve and make Ikeja’s heritage more accessible to future generations and the global community.
Dauda called on stakeholders in the public and private sectors, traditional institutions, tourism practitioners, hospitality operators, creative professionals, technology companies, community organisations and youths to collaborate on innovative solutions capable of making tourism a stronger driver of employment, enterprise development, cultural preservation and inclusive economic growth.
He reaffirmed Ikeja Local Government’s commitment to initiatives that would make its communities more attractive, connected, inclusive and economically vibrant.
“Together, let us leverage digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence to redesign the future of tourism, promote our heritage and unlock new opportunities for our people,” Dauda said.
Courtesy: Lagos Panorama
