An aviation expert and Director of the Universal School of Aviation, Onifade Adekunle, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in Africa’s travel and tourism sector to unlock the continent’s vast tourism potential and drive sustainable growth.
Adekunle made the call during the Afrique Travel Industry Conference and Awards held recently in Lagos, where industry leaders, tourism operators, aviation professionals and policymakers gathered to discuss the future of Africa’s travel ecosystem.
The conference, themed ‘Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potential Through Collaboration’, focused on the need for strategic partnerships among governments, private organisations and educational institutions to address longstanding challenges confronting the sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Adekunle stressed that Africa’s tourism industry can only achieve meaningful transformation through collective action and stronger institutional synergy.
“Collaboration remains the key to unlocking Africa’s tourism potential. No single organisation or government can drive the growth of the sector alone,” he said.
According to him, stakeholders across aviation, hospitality, tourism and education must work together to create policies and systems that support long-term development and improve Africa’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.
“We need stronger partnerships between governments, private sector players and educational institutions if Africa must fully harness its enormous tourism opportunities,” Adekunle stated.
He noted that capacity building and manpower development remain critical to improving service delivery and strengthening confidence in Africa’s tourism industry.
“If we continue to invest in professional training, innovation and workforce development, Africa will not only improve service standards but also position itself as a preferred destination globally,” he added.
The Universal School of Aviation emerged as the Aviation School of the Year during the awards ceremony in recognition of its contribution to aviation education and manpower development.
Adekunle was also honoured with the Most Outstanding Travel Personnel of the Year award for his contributions to aviation training and the advancement of Africa’s travel industry.
Reacting to the recognition, he described the award as a motivation to continue supporting human capital development within the sector.
“This recognition is not just for me alone, but for every young professional and institution working tirelessly to improve aviation and tourism development across Africa,” he said.
Akinlotan is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of experience reporting on politics, social justice, motoring, railways, and aviation. His work focuses on accountability, public interest, and social change, producing stories that inspire reform and amplify underrepresented voices. Akinlotan’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate, impact-driven journalism.
