SKÅL International Port Harcourt Hosts Tourism Connect 2025: A Landmark Event for the Tourism Industry……Blessing Bliss Chukwuma
On July 24th, 2025, Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt played host to the highly anticipated Tourism Connect 2025 event, organized by SKÅL International Port Harcourt. The event brought together key players in the tourism industry to discuss innovative ways to unlock value and drive sustainable growth in the sector.
Monetizing Tourism: The Focus of Tourism Connect 2025
The theme of this year’s event was “Monetizing Tourism,” a timely topic that underscores the urgent need to translate tourism potential into measurable economic impact. The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Ubogbulam Gideon Chukwunwem, a renowned expert in the tourism industry. Dr. Ubogbulam’s address provided valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the tourism sector, and how stakeholders can work together to drive growth and development.
Expert Panelists Share Insights
The event also featured a panel discussion with industry experts, including Tariboba Memberr, the Managing Director and CEO of Now Travel and Tours, Yibo Koko, the Director General and CEO of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), and Amb. Ayodele Awomoyin, the CEO of Flyzane. The panelists shared their experiences and insights on how to monetize tourism and drive sustainable growth in the sector.
Tourism Connect 2025 was also an opportunity for SKÅL members to strengthen their network and deepen relationships within the global SKÅL family. The event provided a platform for members to engage with policymakers, stakeholders, and investors shaping the tourism economy, and to showcase the leadership and impact of SKÅL members in advancing the business of tourism.
The event highlighted the potential of Port Harcourt and the South-South region as emerging tourism destinations. By promoting regional growth and development, Tourism Connect 2025 demonstrated the importance of tourism in driving economic growth and creating jobs.
A Call to Action
As the tourism industry continues to evolve, events like Tourism Connect 2025 play a critical role in shaping its future. The event concluded with a call to action, encouraging stakeholders to work together to redefine how tourism is monetized for community impact, business success, and sustainable development.
SKÅL International is a distinguished professional organization that unites tourism leaders and enthusiasts from around the globe. Founded in 1934, SKÅL International is dedicated to promoting travel and fostering friendship among its members. The organization has been at the forefront of promoting tourism and nurturing partnerships that emphasize the beauty of diversity and the potential of regions.
Tourism Connect 2025 was a landmark event that highlighted the importance of tourism in driving economic growth and creating jobs. The event demonstrated the potential of Port Harcourt and the South-South region as emerging tourism destinations, and provided a platform for stakeholders to work together to drive sustainable growth and development in the sector. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, events like Tourism Connect 2025 will play a critical role in shaping its future.
