The National Tourism Safety and Security Technology Conference and Trade Show is scheduled to take place between July 6 and 7, 2026, at the Army Headquarters Command Event Centre in Asokoro, Abuja. This inaugural event is organized by Travel Marketing Partner (Nigeria) Limited and aims to strengthen safety, security, and resilience within Nigeria's tourism ecosystem through modern technologies, policy dialogue, and stakeholder collaboration.
Key Partnerships and Stakeholders
The CEO of Travel Marketing Partner, Mr. Shola Ilupeju, a seasoned tourism expert and promoter of trade shows, announced that the Federal Ministry of Arts Culture Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), and other organizations will partner with the conference. Ilupeju emphasized that the broad-based event requires collaboration with allied sectors and government ministries, departments, and agencies. An array of partners, including the Nigerian Military and other security agencies, have extended their support.
Theme and Objectives
With the theme "Safe and Secure Destination: Key to Sustainable Tourism Development," the conference is designed to provide a national platform for discussing tourism safety and security challenges. It aims to showcase modern security and safety technologies relevant to tourism destinations, promote inter-agency collaboration among MDAs, security institutions, and the private sector, and support government efforts to position Nigeria as a safe and attractive tourism destination.
Ilupeju stated: "Travel Marketing Partners in partnership with NTDA intends to use this project to effectively deploy the use of technology driven solutions through biometrically verifiable identity and other relevant personal information to reduce the risks posed to Tourists and other users. It is expected that this project will not only provide a safer experience for tourists and other users but also create jobs within the local economy, boost confidence in tourism businesses and attract investments into the tourism industry, thereby fostering the economic growth of Nigeria."
Safe Destination Award 2026
The two-day event will also feature the Safe Destination Award 2026. Ilupeju noted that this award is designed as a prestigious benchmark for security excellence within the Nigerian tourism landscape. "It is a flagship recognition framework established under the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX) initiative. It is designed to evaluate, validate, and celebrate destinations, hospitality hubs, and local jurisdictions within Nigeria that demonstrate exceptional commitment to travellers' safety and institutional security."
He added: "We are pleased to inform you that NTDA has endorsed the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX), an initiative of Travel Marketing Partners Nigeria Limited, which is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of tourists, travellers and tourist facilities."
NTDA Endorsement
The Director General of NTDA, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, through the Director of Legal Services, Olufunke Soleye, said: "Nigerian Tourism Development Authority believes that the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience would boost safety and security measures and have an invaluable impact on the Nigerian tourism sector, and therefore requests the cooperation of stakeholders to make it successful."
