The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Ekiti State Chapter, has marked World Tourism Day 2026 with students of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti.

The celebration focused on equipping students with practical skills and preparing them for careers in Nigeria’s growing tourism and hospitality industry.

The students were exposed to practical areas including digital content creation, tourism promotion, storytelling, photography, videography, social media engagement, as well as the application of Artificial Intelligence and other digital technologies in tourism and hospitality.

ATPN said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional industry practice, while encouraging students to explore innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

The association noted that the students represent the next generation of tourism professionals who will play a significant role in driving sustainable development and promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential.

It urged the students to embrace technology and acquire relevant skills that would enable them contribute meaningfully to the transformation of the tourism sector.

ATPN stressed that empowering young people with practical knowledge and industry exposure remains essential to building a competitive and sustainable tourism industry in Nigeria.