Participants at the just concluded World Public Summit held at the United Nations headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has said that despite Nigeria’s huge economic edge, the country is yet to tap its tourism potential.

Speaking at the event, the General Secretary of the World Peoples Assembly, Andrey Belyaninov, said that Niegria remained one of Africa’s most promising yet underexplored tourism destinations.

 

Belyaninov canvassed greater investment in the country’s vast natural and cultural attractions to unlock its enormous potential.

 

No fewer than 700 government officials, diplomats, business leaders, academics, innovators and civil society representatives from Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America were at the event to discuss global development, partnerships and Africa’s future.

 

According to Belyaninov, Nigeria possesses world-class tourism assets capable of attracting adventure seekers, conservation enthusiasts and international investors if properly developed and promoted.

 

He added: “From the spectacular Obudu Mountain Resort and the wildlife of Yankari Game Reserve to the vast landscapes of Gashaka-Gumti National Park and other emerging ranches, reserves and eco-tourism destinations, the country possesses extraordinary natural and cultural assets capable of attracting adventure travellers, conservation enthusiasts and international investors alike.

 

The summit with the theme: ‘A New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future,’ emphasised Africa’s growing importance as a global destination for tourism, business events, diplomacy and international collaboration.

 

Participants noted that business events were increasingly driving global tourism, with African countries emerging as attractive destinations for conferences, innovation, cultural exchanges and high-level policy engagements.

 

The gathering also showcased the continent’s diverse tourism offerings, with Rwanda recognised for its conservation tourism and conference facilities, Tanzania for its wildlife, Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, Morocco for its blend of history and luxury tourism, while The Gambia, Ghana, Botswana, Namibia and Kenya continue to attract visitors seeking authentic cultural and nature-based experiences.

 

Belyaninov insisted that Africa was increasingly becoming a source of innovative ideas rather than merely a recipient of global solutions and called for stronger South-South cooperation, expanded international partnerships and greater recognition of the continent’s intellectual, cultural and economic contributions.

 

The summit featured discussions on scientific and educational cooperation, artificial intelligence, public diplomacy, humanitarian partnerships, cultural diplomacy, heritage preservation and strategies for preparing the next generation of African leaders.

 

Belyaninov in his remarks, said the summit represented more than an international conference, describing it as a platform for building trust and fostering global cooperation.

 

“The summit is not just a meeting; it is a space for unity. A space where the values that unite us come to life: respect for people, openness to the world, responsibility for the future and a commitment to creation.

 

“Today, we understand more clearly than ever: the future cannot be built alone. It is born in dialogue, in trust, in the ability to listen to one another and to act together,” he said.