OYO GOVT MOVES TO HARNESS DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY FOR TOURISM GROWTH

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the tourism sector, attract investment and create greater opportunities for tourism stakeholders.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, stated this during activities marking the 2026 World Tourism Day, themed “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

Olatunbosun commended Governor Seyi Makinde for providing an enabling environment for the Ministry to operate, noting that digital technology and AI had transformed the global tourism industry by making it easier for tourists to access information, make bookings and undertake travel-related transactions.

He disclosed that the state government is planning to deploy a digital platform that would provide local and international visitors with information on hotels, tourist attractions, transportation and other tourism-related services from a 

single hub.

The Commissioner also disclosed plans to develop websites and online registration platforms for hospitality businesses to facilitate data collection and improve tourism service delivery.

He said: “Our plan is to have all these people use digital platforms for registration. We have started planning for it. The only challenge is that we are looking for resources to implement it. We would have done it long ago.”

Olatunbosun said the digital transformation of the sector would promote tourism, attract visitors and investors and provide a sustainable foundation for future administrations.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Rotimi Babalola, appreciated Governor Makinde for providing the opportunity to commemorate the World Tourism Day and commended the Commissioner, management, staff and stakeholders for their contributions to the celebration.

Activities marking the celebration included a stage play by renowned playwright Femi Osofisan, an NTA awareness programme, the Explore Ibadan tour, visits to tourism sites including the New Culture Studio, Tunde Odunlade Art Gallery, the Adventure Playground Ecotherapy Centre and IITA Forest Centre, as well as a World Tourism Day walk from Adamasingba Stadium to the Secretariat.

As part of the celebration, Capricorn Concierge Tourism Services Limited presented an award to Olatunbosun for his support for domestic tourism development.

The Managing Director of the Business Domestic Promotion and Empowerment Programme, Mr Tayo Araoye, said the Commissioner had supported the programme, including the approval of scholarship opportunities for the first 1,000 Ibadan residents to participate in the Business of Domestic Tourism Promotion and Empowerment Programme.

Also speaking, the representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty Oba Kolawole Adegbola, pledged continued support for efforts to promote culture and tourism in the state and commended Fortis TV for unveiling the Oyo State Cultural Heritage and Excellence Initiative.

The Chief Executive Officer of Fortis TV, Mr. Bolawa Gbolahan, said the initiative was designed to recognise individuals and organisations contributing to the preservation and promotion of Oyo’s cultural heritage. He disclosed that the Oyo State Cultural Heritage and Excellence Awards would be held in December 2026.

Gbolahan noted that tourists increasingly discover destinations online through videos, photographs, digital maps, social media and AI, stressing that Oyo State could leverage these platforms to showcase its historical sites, festivals, cuisine, cultural experiences and other attractions to audiences across Nigeria and the world.