Kwara Embraces Digital Technology, AI to Transform Tourism

The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to using digital technology, creativity and artificial intelligence to transform the state’s tourism sector and create new economic opportunities.

The Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, stated this in a broadcast to mark the 2026 World Tourism Day, whose theme was “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

Olukoju said the theme was particularly relevant to Kwara, noting that technology was changing how people discover destinations, plan trips, access information, make bookings and experience tourist attractions.

She said the government would continue to explore technology and innovation to improve the visibility of the state’s tourist attractions, enhance visitors’ experiences and create opportunities for young people, creatives, hospitality businesses and other stakeholders.

According to the commissioner, the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had laid foundations for the transformation through investments in facilities including the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Sugar Film Factory and Visual Arts Centre.

She said the Ilorin Innovation Hub provides opportunities for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and digital skills development, while the Sugar Film Factory was designed to support film production and creative enterprise.

Olukoju also highlighted the Ilorin International Conference Centre, saying the facility could attract conferences, exhibitions, business events and other activities capable of bringing visitors into the state.

She further mentioned the development of the Dada Pottery facility as part of efforts to preserve Kwara’s cultural heritage while creating opportunities for artisans, particularly women and young people.

The commissioner said tourism could stimulate several areas of the economy, including transportation, hospitality, food, culture, entertainment, crafts, fashion, technology, agriculture and small businesses.

She also stressed the importance of developing human capital, noting that thousands of workers, entrepreneurs and young people had received training opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital skills and smart working.

Olukoju urged young people, tourism practitioners, hospitality businesses, tour operators, creatives and cultural organisations to embrace digital technology and AI.

She said technology should complement rather than replace the human element of tourism, stressing that Kwara’s culture, hospitality, stories, creativity and identity would remain central to the tourism experience.

She encouraged filmmakers, photographers, content creators, software developers, tour guides, fashion designers, chefs, artists and entrepreneurs to use digital platforms to showcase Kwara’s attractions and create economic opportunities.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with relevant tourism and cultural institutions to promote the state’s cultural assets, creative talents and tourism potential.