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, from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the Expo will convene industry stakeholders, policymakers, investors, and innovators under the theme: “Tourism and Innovation: Expanding Frontiers for Inclusive Growth.”
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), further highlighting the deep-rooted cultural heritage and traditional backing of the event.
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. Also expected is Dr. Badaki Aliyu, National President,
Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), who will represent the collective voice of private sector tourism stakeholders in Nigeria, further strengthening industry participation at the Expo among others.
The Expo will feature two impactful days of exhibitions, panel discussions, product activations, workshops, and high-level networking opportunities, bringing together over 100 tourism brands, 3,000+ participants, and international destination representatives.
A key highlight of ITTE 2026 is the introduction of FREE masterclasses and professional training sessions, designed to equip youth, entrepreneurs, and tourism practitioners with practical skills, industry knowledge, and growth strategies for Nigeria’s evolving tourism landscape.
In addition, leading conservation and academic institutions including the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Nigeria Conservation Foundation, the Nigeria National Park Service, and the Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, University of Ibadan, will collaborate to advance conversations on sustainability, conservation, and environmental education.
Participants will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, investors, government agencies, and innovators, while exploring partnerships and business expansion opportunities within Nigeria’s dynamic tourism ecosystem.
According to the organisers, ITTE 2026 will further position Ibadan as a leading hub for tourism dialogue, innovation, and investment in West Africa, while strengthening collaboration between Africa, the Caribbean, and the global tourism community.
The Expo is convened by Ambassadors Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye, widely known as The Most Famous Twins in African Tourism, committed to advancing tourism development, cultural exchange, and international collaboration across Africa and the diaspora.
Registration is FREE, and interested participants can register at: www.ibadantravelexpo.com
