The Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development has established a dedicated Tourist Information Desk to provide support and guidance for visitors attending the 2026 Ekiti Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST).
EKIFEST 2026 is scheduled to hold in Ado-Ekiti from August 11 to 15 and is expected to attract cultural performers, artists, tourists, creative entrepreneurs, hospitality operators and other stakeholders from within and outside Ekiti State.
Announcing the initiative, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, said the Tourist Information Desk was created to ensure visitors have access to accurate, timely and practical information throughout the festival.
He explained that the desk would offer assistance on accommodation, transportation, travel arrangements, tour operators, festival venues, tourism attractions and other services required to make visitors’ stay in Ekiti State comfortable and memorable.
Ojo-Lanre stressed that EKIFEST should be seen as more than a cultural celebration, describing it as a tourism product capable of driving economic growth across multiple sectors.
“EKIFEST is beyond a cultural festival. It is a tourism product, a destination-marketing platform and an economic opportunity for Ekiti State,” he said.
According to him, the influx of visitors during the festival would boost patronage for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour guides, photographers, artisans, food vendors and other service providers, thereby stimulating economic activities and strengthening the state’s tourism and hospitality industries.
The Director-General disclosed that the Bureau had engaged travel agencies, tour operators, hoteliers, tourism associations and relevant national organisations as part of efforts to promote EKIFEST 2026 and attract more visitors to the state.
He also encouraged guests to extend their stay beyond the festival by exploring Ekiti’s major tourist attractions, including Ikogosi Warm Springs, Arinta Waterfalls, Ugele Rock Shelter, Oke Sagbonke, Abanijorin Rock and other natural, historical and cultural sites.
According to him, the Tourist Information Desk will provide details on tourism packages, routes to attractions, accommodation options, hospitality services, community festivals and investment opportunities within Ekiti’s growing tourism economy.
The desk will be coordinated by the Director of Tourism, Mr. Olaoluwa Jinadu, alongside designated officers of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development.
The Bureau invited residents, tourists, travel professionals, investors, families, students, journalists, photographers and culture enthusiasts to visit Ekiti and participate in the tourism opportunities offered by EKIFEST 2026.
The statement was signed by the General Manager of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Babasoji Awe.
