By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Enugu State government-owned airline, Enugu Air, has signed a pact with Jands Travel Business School (JTBS), an Enugu-based private travel, leisure and hospitality training institution, to showcase the city’s potentials as a destination for leisure, business, investment and innovation.
The signing which took place yesterday
at Ifennia Court, Independence Layout, Enugu, came ahead of the hosting of the 2026 edition of the Domestic Tourism Festival (DTF) being organised by JTBS, to be held at Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu from 4-6 September, 2026.
The forthcoming event with a theme: ‘Innovation and Technology for Peaceful Domestic Tourism’, is expected to draw about 2,000 delegates including 300 travel agencies from across Nigeria, alongside tourism boards, airlines, hospitality operators, investors and international guests, will feature tourism exhibition, business networking, cultural display and performances, among others.
In a remark at the signing ceremony, which was witnessed by Enugu Air representatives led by the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ugonna Agubuokwu, and JTBS Board of Trustee members, the Chairman, Chief Ben Etiaba, said that it was an honour that the institution was partnering with Enugu Air to promote tourism and aviation in Enugu State.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to join you on this historic occasion as we witness the signing of a strategic partnership between Jands Travel Business School and Enugu Air.
“Today is about more than a Memorandum of Understanding. It is about a shared vision. It is about institutions coming together to build bridges between education and industry, between tourism and aviation, and between aspiration and opportunity.
“Tourism has become one of the world’s fastest growing economic sectors. It creates jobs, stimulates entrepreneurship, preserves culture, strengthens national identity, and contributes significantly to economic growth.
“Yet, for tourism to thrive, it requires reliable transportation, skilled professionals, innovative partnerships, and visionary leadership,” Etiaba said.
He explained the essence of the upcoming three-day festival.
“The forthcoming Jands Travel Business School’s Domestic Tourism Festival presents a unique opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while showcasing Enugu State as a destination for leisure, business, investment, and innovation.
“It is therefore fitting that Enugu Air, our state’s proudly emerging airline, is partnering with Jands Travel Business School, an institution committed to developing excellence in travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation education.
“This collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when government initiatives and private sector institutions work hand in hand. It aligns perfectly with the vision of transforming Enugu into a leading destination for commerce, tourism, investment, and ease of doing business. The remarkable improvements in infrastructure, security, and connectivity across the state provide a solid foundation upon which partnerships such as this can flourish.
“I particularly applaud the management of Enugu Air for embracing this collaboration at this formative stage of the airline’s journey. Your willingness to support initiatives that promote tourism and human capital development speaks volumes about your corporate vision and your commitment to the development of Enugu State and Nigeria,” he said.
“I am confident that this partnership will become a model of successful collaboration and will contribute meaningfully to the growth of tourism, aviation, and economic development in our state and our nation,” Chief Etiaba added.
On her part, Mrs. Chioma Obi, Director, JTBS, expressed gratitude over the partnership they are striking with Enugu Air to drive tourism, aviation and the hospitality industry.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the official announcement of the strategic partnership between Jands Travel Business School and Enugu Air for the Domestic Tourism Festival (DTF) 2026.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to promoting tourism, improving connectivity, and positioning Enugu as a preferred destination for tourism, business, and investment.
“The Domestic Tourism Festival, now in its third edition, has become a growing national platform for tourism development, bringing together government, the private sector, travel professionals, investors, academia, and development partners to advance meaningful conversations and collaborations,” she said.
Mrs. Obi explained that the last edition of the festival was great but expressed optimism that this year’s edition will surpass it.
“Last year’s edition welcomed 1,287 participants, and this year we expect over 2,000 delegates, including more than 300 travel agencies from across Nigeria, alongside tourism boards, airlines, hospitality operators, investors, media organizations, and international guests.
“Enugu Air is more than an airline—it is a gateway to our destination. By becoming the Official Destination Airline Partner of DTF 2026, Enugu Air will help make travel to Enugu easier while connecting directly with hundreds of travel professionals, tourism stakeholders, corporate organizations, and decision-makers from across the country.
“For Jands Travel Business School and the Domestic Tourism Festival, this partnership strengthens our mission of showcasing Enugu’s tourism potential, attracting investment, and creating new opportunities for businesses within the tourism value chain,” she noted.
In his own remarks, COO of Enugu Air, Agubuokwu, expressed joy over the collaboration with JTBS and praised the institution for its efforts to promote the tourism industry.
He promised to ensure that the September Festival will be a huge success.
“As an Airline, we are honoured to be at this event. We all know what tourism brings to our economy. It promotes growth and development. It tells story of who we are and above all, it generates revenue.
“On the strength of this event, we shall use this event as a gateway to showcase our routes and our domestic destinations, that is why we are happy to be a part of this great event. Having said this, I promise that come September 4 to 6, 2026, it will be a very big occasion for both the organisers of the event, Jands Travel Business School and above all, Enugu Air,” he said.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Leading participants at the signing ceremony.
