By CrossRiverWatch Admin
Former Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation and former Supervising Minister of Information, High Chief Edem Duke, has said that tourism is no longer defined by physical infrastructure alone, but by digital visibility, data intelligence and technological innovation.
He made the assertion on Sunday, September 27, 2026, while delivering a keynote address at the Ebonyi State Tourism Policy and Development Master Plan presentation, organized to mark the 2026 United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) International Tourism Day celebration and the 30th Anniversary of the creation of Ebonyi State.
Speaking on the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism: Positioning Ebonyi State for the Future of Tourism, Culture and Economic Development”, High Chief Duke explained that artificial intelligence is now reshaping how destinations are discovered, marketed and consumed globally, from AI-powered travel planning and smart destination mapping to virtual heritage experiences and digital economic inclusion for host communities.
High Chief Duke commended the Ebonyi State Government for unveiling its Tourism Policy and Development Master Plan at a time when the global tourism industry is undergoing digital transformation, describing it as a bold and timely move to reposition the state from a hidden gem to a competitive tourism economy.
He asserted that Ebonyi, with its iconic landscapes, cultural festivals and agrarian heritage, has the capacity to become a model for how sub-national governments in Nigeria can leverage digital agenda and AI to drive sustainable tourism, cultural preservation and inclusive economic growth.
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