ABUJA-

Nigeria’s tourism industry is set to receive a major boost as government agencies, private-sector operators, creatives, technology companies and other stakeholders rally behind “Ember to Remember” 2026, an initiative designed to position Nigeria as a year-round tourism destination.

At the National Press Conference for the 2026 edition, stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa; Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare Abisoye Fagade; Dr. Ola Awakan, Director General Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the CEO of MyCityApp, Ifeoma Mbonu expressed support for the initiative and its potential to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism economy.

At the heart of Ember to Remember is a simple but powerful idea: Nigeria has much more to offer than the traditional December travel season.

The initiative seeks to connect Nigeria’s diverse tourism experiences, destinations, festivals, hospitality offerings, cultural heritage and creative industries, while encouraging both Nigerians and international visitors to explore more of the country.

For the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, the initiative aligns strongly with ongoing efforts to promote authentic Nigerian stories and increase the visibility of destinations and tourism experiences across the country.

Among these initiatives are the upcoming Naija Flavour International Tourism Expo (NAFITOE), the Tour Ride initiative, and NITOUREY, Nigeria’s first tourism-dedicated streaming hub. Together, these platforms are designed to provide greater exposure for Nigeria’s destinations, tourism businesses, cultural assets and experiences.

The Ember to Remember National Stakeholders Conference, scheduled for 14 September 2026 in Lagos, is expected to mark another significant milestone. A major highlight of the conference will be the unveiling of the National Ember to Remember Calendar, bringing together key tourism activities and experiences in a more coordinated and accessible format.

The conference is expected to attract government representatives, tourism operators, private-sector investors, creatives, technology companies, media organisations and other stakeholders with a shared interest in developing Nigeria’s tourism economy.

Beyond creating awareness, the initiative has the potential to generate tangible economic benefits. Greater domestic and international travel can translate into increased spending across hotels, restaurants, transportation, attractions, entertainment, retail, tour operations and local communities.

It can also create opportunities for small businesses, artisans, cultural entrepreneurs, young creatives and destination-based enterprises to participate more actively in the tourism value chain.

The growing collaboration around Ember to Remember reflects a broader recognition that tourism development requires a connected ecosystem in which government, businesses, communities, technology and the media work together.

Nigeria possesses extraordinary tourism assets—from beaches, mountains, forests and waterfalls to historic sites, festivals, cuisine, fashion, music, film and diverse cultural traditions. Yet many of these experiences remain relatively unknown to both domestic travellers and international audiences.

By bringing these experiences together under a national tourism calendar and storytelling platform, Ember to Remember could help change the narrative and encourage more people to discover Nigeria beyond the familiar December festivities.

The initiative therefore represents more than a seasonal campaign. It presents an opportunity to build a stronger, more connected and more commercially sustainable Nigerian tourism ecosystem, where destinations receive greater visibility, businesses attract more visitors, communities benefit from tourism spending and travellers discover new reasons to explore the country.

As Nigeria moves towards a more coordinated approach to tourism promotion, Ember to Remember 2026 offers a compelling message to Nigerians and the world: the Nigerian tourism experience does not end in December—it is waiting to be discovered all year round.