Enugu Air has entered into a strategic partnership with Jands Travel Business School (JTBS) to promote Enugu State as a leading destination for tourism, business, investment and aviation, ahead of the 2026 Domestic Tourism Festival.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday in Enugu, positions the state-owned airline as the Official Destination Airline Partner for the three-day festival scheduled to hold from September 4 to 6 at the Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu.
Organised by Jands Travel Business School, this year’s festival is themed “Innovation and Technology for Peaceful Domestic Tourism” and is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates, including over 300 travel agencies from across Nigeria, alongside tourism boards, airlines, hospitality operators, investors and international guests.
The event will feature tourism exhibitions, business networking sessions, cultural displays and entertainment, among other activities aimed at boosting domestic tourism and investment opportunities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Jands Travel Business School, Chief Ben Etiaba, described the partnership as a major step towards advancing tourism and aviation development 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,” he said.
“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.”
Etiaba noted that tourism remains one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, stressing that collaboration between public and private institutions is critical to unlocking its economic potential.
“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,” he said.
He described the forthcoming Domestic Tourism Festival as a platform to project Enugu’s growing profile as a destination for leisure, commerce and investment.
“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.”
Etiaba also commended the management of Enugu Air for supporting initiatives that promote tourism and human capital development.
“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.
“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,” he added.
Also speaking, Director of Jands Travel Business School, Mrs. Chioma Obi, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening tourism, improving connectivity and positioning Enugu as a preferred destination for business and leisure.
“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 2026.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to promoting tourism, improving connectivity, and positioning Enugu as a preferred destination for tourism, business, and investment,” she said.
Obi noted that the festival has evolved into a major national platform for tourism development, bringing together government agencies, private sector players, investors, travel professionals and development partners.
She disclosed that attendance is expected to rise significantly this year.
“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 organisations, 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 organisations, 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 said.
On behalf of Enugu Air, the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Ugonna Agubuokwu, said the partnership aligns with the airline’s vision of promoting economic growth through tourism and improved connectivity.
“As an airline, we are honoured to be part of this event. We all know what tourism brings to our economy. It promotes growth and development. It tells the story of who we are and, above all, generates revenue.
“On the strength of this event, we shall use it as a gateway to showcase our routes and domestic destinations, which is why we are delighted to be part of this great initiative.
“I promise that from September 4 to 6, 2026, it will be a huge success for the organisers, Jands Travel Business School, and above all, Enugu Air,” Agubuokwu said.
The partnership is expected to further strengthen Enugu’s growing profile as a tourism, aviation and investment hub while supporting the state’s drive to position itself as one of Nigeria’s leading destinations for business, innovation and leisure.
