Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) has joined the global community in commemorating 2026 World Tourism Day with a workshop focused on the use of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the tourism sector.
The workshop, organised by the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management in collaboration with the Departments of Theatre Arts and Music, was held on Monday, 28th September, 2026, at Oto-Awori LCDA, Lagos, with the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” and sub-theme, “Harnessing Innovation for Sustainable Tourism Development.”
Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor of LASUED, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, in her opening address delivered on her behalf by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Shittu Morufudeen Adeniyi, called on academic institutions to take the lead in adopting digital tools and AI to transform the tourism industry.
She noted that tourism had evolved beyond destinations to encompass “People, Places, Technology, A Brighter Tomorrow,” adding that AI and digital frameworks were changing the way people travel, experience cultures and manage resources.
Prof. Lafiaji-Okuneye commended the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management and its collaborating departments for demonstrating the interdisciplinary approach expected of a 21st-century university.
The Vice-Chancellor further urged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop and encouraged students to apply the knowledge acquired to research, entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism development.
Similarly, the Dean, College of Management Sciences Education (COMSED), Prof. Ajani Safurat Toyin, in her address, described the workshop theme as a blueprint for the future of business leadership.
According to her, AI is reshaping the tourism sector through data analytics, digital entrepreneurship and sustainable economic governance, with applications in demand forecasting, pricing, marketing, customer management and resource allocation.
She charged researchers, educators and students to critically engage with emerging technologies and prepare ethical and forward-thinking professionals capable of ensuring that AI contributes to economic development while promoting social responsibility.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Olumide Olusola Metilelu said AI could assist tourism businesses in understanding visitor trends, personalising experiences, improving operations, managing demand and enhancing decision-making.
Dr Metilelu identified the fragmentation of tourism operators, hotels, transport providers and attractions as one of the challenges affecting the development of Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Executive Chairman, Oto-Awori LCDA, Hon. Kareem Azeez Abiodun; the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonu Saanu; and the Managing Director, Presken Hotels and Resorts, Mr Pius Obaje.
Also present at the event were: the Dean, College of Vocational Education (COVED), Prof. Luqman Hussain; the Provost, College of Postgraduate Programmes, Prof. Okedeyi Shakirudeen Abiodun; staff and students of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management; as well as stakeholders from academia, industry, government and the community.
www.lasued.edu.ng
LASUED Hosts World Tourism Day 2026 Workshop, Advocates AI-Driven Tourism Transformation
