The summit is organized by Africa Tourism Investment Forum in collaboration with Eko Hotels & Suites Group, as part of the anniversary celebrations of this flagship hospitality institution. This context reinforces the symbolic value of the event, which aims to project a renewed and forward-looking image of African tourism on the global stage.
Over two intensive days, Lagos will become a strategic hub for dialogue on the continent’s tourism future. The summit will convene tourism ministers, policymakers, international investors, hospitality executives, airlines, tour operators, as well as young professionals and students seeking to engage with the industry. Experts from the Caribbean are also expected to participate, fostering cross-regional exchange between markets that share comparable challenges and opportunities.
The theme of ATHIS 2026, centered on strengthening African hospitality through investment and regional collaboration, reflects a clear strategic vision. Tourism is positioned not merely as an economic activity, but as a cross-cutting engine for development, capable of generating employment, stimulating investment, and elevating Africa’s global standing.
One of the key topics on the agenda will be infrastructure development. Air connectivity, transport networks, and service quality remain critical determinants of growth. In parallel, visa policies will be examined, as fragmented entry requirements continue to hinder intra-African travel and limit the continent’s accessibility to international tourists.
Investment attraction will also be a central pillar of the discussions. Africa must strengthen its enabling environment to draw foreign capital and promote effective public-private partnerships. In this regard, ATHIS 2026 will serve as a platform for showcasing projects, facilitating high-level networking, and enabling strategic deal-making between governments and private sector actors.
Another major focus will be human capital development and professionalization within the hospitality sector. Service excellence is a key competitive factor in global tourism, and the cultivation of local talent is essential. Education, technical training, and knowledge transfer will feature prominently across panels and roundtable discussions.
The choice of Lagos as host city is deliberate. While not traditionally viewed as a conventional tourism destination, the city has gained prominence through its dynamic cultural scene. Industries such as music, film—particularly Nollywood—fashion, and gastronomy have contributed to shaping a modern and compelling urban identity that complements Africa’s more traditional tourism offerings.
The summit will also highlight success stories from across the continent, showcasing countries that have achieved stronger international positioning through sustained investment, strategic branding, and infrastructure development. These case studies are expected to provide actionable insights for destinations seeking to replicate effective growth models.
Beyond dialogue, ATHIS 2026 aims to reshape the narrative around Africa. The continent seeks to move beyond being perceived solely as an emerging destination and to establish itself as a structured, competitive player in the global tourism industry. This shift in perception is critical for attracting investment, building international confidence, and strengthening long-term positioning.
The summit represents a strategic opportunity to redefine tourism’s role in Africa’s development trajectory. Through collaboration, innovation, and coordinated action, the continent aims to bridge the gap between its vast potential and current performance, advancing toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism model.
