The Edo State Government has renewed efforts to harness digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to boost tourism, preserve the state’s cultural heritage and attract more visitors and investment.
The initiative was highlighted during activities marking World Tourism Day 2026, organised by the Edo State Tourism Agency, including an awareness walk through Benin City and a symposium at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy.
The symposium, themed “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence: Redesigning Tourism for Sustainable Development,” brought together stakeholders to explore how emerging technologies could transform Edo’s tourism sector.
Edo Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, described tourism as the “new gold,” saying the sector deserved greater attention and investment.
The Director-General of the Edo State Tourism Agency, Lady Vivian Elabor, said developing tourism could create jobs, increase internally generated revenue and attract investors to the state.
Elabor also stressed the need to preserve and promote Edo’s cultural heritage and tourist attractions as part of efforts to reduce dependence on federal allocations and strengthen the local economy.
Chairman of the Edo State Senior Secondary Education Board, Dr. Rita Erewele, said effectively harnessing the state’s tourism potential could drive broader economic and social development.
