In the bustling city of Umuahia, on September 26, 2025, a significant conversation about the future of tourism in Southeastern Nigeria was ignited. The 7th Tourism World International Commercial/Agro-Tourism Conference and Awards brought together government officials, academics, industry leaders, and stakeholders. While the event featured prominent voices like Professor Wasiu Babalola and Honorable Mathew Ekwuruibe, the driving force behind this pivotal gathering was its organizer and Executive Director, Uwakwe Solomon, a man steadily carving a niche as a catalyst for sustainable tourism development in Nigeria.
The Convener and His Mission
Uwakwe Solomon is the Founder and Executive Director of De World Tourism International, the organization that conceptualizes and executes the annual Tourism World International Conference and Awards. As reported from the event, his remarks during the conference provide a clear window into his philosophy. He stated that the conference was “designed to provide a platform for dialogue, socioeconomic development knowledge sharing, collaboration among stakeholders and public-private sector project initiatives.”
This statement is more than just event rhetoric; it is the cornerstone of his mission. For Solomon, tourism is not merely a leisure industry but a potent “developmental tool.” His work through World Tourism International is dedicated to “championing programmes that set the agenda for service quality, tourism development, standards, and inclusiveness.”
De World Tourism International: A Platform for Change
While a comprehensive official website for De World Tourism International is not widely publicized in mainstream search indexes, the organization’s activities and impact are evident through its events and media coverage. The annual conference, now in its seventh iteration, is its flagship program. The consistent themes of these conferences—focusing on socio-economic growth, community prosperity, and inclusive opportunities—reveal a strategic and long-term vision.
The 2025 Umuahia conference, with its emphasis on standards as the “backbone of a sustainable and competitive tourism industry,” aligns perfectly with Solomon’s stated goals. By facilitating a dialogue where a leading academic like Prof. Babalola could address key regulators and practitioners like the Abia State Hotel Association, Solomon’s organization acts as a crucial bridge. It connects theory with practice, and policy with on-the-ground implementation.
A Focus on Holistic and Sustainable Tourism
The full name of the event—the “Commercial/Agro-Tourism Conference and Awards”—highlights another key aspect of Solomon’s vision: the integration of different tourism sectors. By pairing commercial tourism with agro-tourism, he promotes a model that leverages Nigeria’s, and specifically Abia State’s, agricultural strengths to create unique tourist experiences. This approach not only attracts visitors but also supports local farmers, promotes cultural heritage, and encourages community-based tourism, leading to more equitable distribution of economic benefits.
Furthermore, the inclusion of organizations like the Do Good Foundation for Widows and Needy, which provided health checks at the event, suggests a holistic view of tourism’s ecosystem. It underscores that community well-being is intrinsically linked to a successful and resilient tourism industry.
The Bigger Picture: Positioning Nigeria on the Global Tourism Map
Uwakwe Solomon’s work places him among a growing cohort of Nigerian tourism advocates who understand that for Nigeria to compete globally, it must adhere to global best practices. His call, echoed by the keynote speaker, for operators to align with standards from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and international bodies, is a critical step towards changing the narrative around Nigerian tourism.
By creating a respected annual platform that attracts “international facilitators,” “non-governmental organization executives,” and “tourism regulators,” Solomon is helping to build a cohesive and professionalized tourism sector. This network is essential for sharing knowledge, attracting investment, and fostering the collaborations needed to develop Nigeria’s vast but underutilized tourism potential.
Conclusion: A Quiet Force Shaping the Industry
Uwakwe Solomon may not always be the loudest voice in the room, but as the organizer and architect of these influential gatherings, his impact is profound. Through De World Tourism International, he is systematically building the foundations for a more robust, standardized, and inclusive tourism industry in Nigeria. His focus on dialogue, public-private partnerships, and sustainable development models positions him as a vital stakeholder in the nation’s journey to unlock the immense socioeconomic power of tourism. The successful conference in Umuahia is not just an event; it is a testament to a clear and persistent vision for a prosperous future, driven by the transformative power of travel.
