The organisers of the Ibadan Travel and Tourism Expo 2026 (ITTE 2026) have unveiled a distinguished lineup of global and national leaders set to headline the third edition of Nigeria’s award-winning international travel and tourism exhibition.
Scheduled for April 21–22, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the Expo will convene industry stakeholders, policymakers, investors, and innovators. This year, the event runs under the theme: “Tourism and Innovation: Expanding Frontiers for Inclusive Growth.”
A Global Stage in the Ancient City
Leading the speaker lineup is Jamaica’s Honourable Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, globally recognised for his work in tourism resilience and sustainable development.
He will be joined by the Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Prof. Zachariah Yaduma, and Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, Prime Minister of the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD), underscoring the Expo’s strong international and diaspora engagement.
The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, will serve as Chief Host, reaffirming the state’s commitment to tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural promotion.
In a significant cultural endorsement, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, will serve as Royal Host of the Expo, with full support from the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). This further highlights the deep-rooted cultural heritage and traditional backing of the event.
Policy, Private Sector, and Professional Growth
Also expected is Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who will provide insights into national policy direction and emerging opportunities within the tourism and creative sectors.
Joining the ministerial ranks is Dr. Badaki Aliyu, National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN). He will represent the collective voice of private sector tourism stakeholders in Nigeria, further strengthening industry participation at the Expo.
The event promises a packed itinerary, including:
- Two days of exhibitions and product activations.
- High-level networking with over 100 tourism brands.
- Panel discussions featuring 3,000+ participants.
A key highlight of ITTE 2026 is the introduction of FREE masterclasses and professional training sessions. These are designed to equip youth, entrepreneurs, and tourism practitioners with practical skills and growth strategies for Nigeria’s evolving tourism landscape.
Sustainability and Collaboration
Leading conservation and academic institutions, including the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) and the Nigeria National Park Service, will collaborate to advance conversations on sustainability and environmental education.
According to the organisers, ITTE 2026 will further position Ibadan as a leading hub for tourism dialogue and investment in West Africa. The Expo is convened by Ambassadors Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye, widely known as “The Most Famous Twins in African Tourism,” who remain committed to advancing cultural exchange across Africa and the diaspora.
