Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art has intensified efforts to position Ibeju-Lekki as one of Nigeria’s leading cultural tourism destinations following a landmark familiarisation visit by members and leadership of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators.

The visit, hosted by the museum in collaboration with Pan-Atlantic University, marked the first official engagement between the museum and the national body of tour operators since the museum’s establishment. It brought together tourism professionals from across the country, including representatives from the North, South-South and South-West regions, in a strategic effort aimed at strengthening collaboration between the arts and tourism sectors.

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Led by the President of NATOP, Bolaji Mustapha, the delegation toured the museum’s galleries and participated in discussions focused on tourism development, heritage preservation and destination marketing.

During the engagement, the museum unveiled its broader vision for cultural tourism within the rapidly developing Ibeju-Lekki corridor, presenting itself as a key cultural anchor in an emerging tourism ecosystem that includes destinations such as Lakowe Lakes, Omu Resort, Eleko Beach, La Campagne Tropicana and Jara Beach Resort. The museum also highlighted the significance of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in enhancing accessibility and boosting tourism potential within the region.

Museum Director, Jess Castellote, said the collaboration between cultural institutions and tourism operators is essential to improving Nigeria’s visibility on the global stage and creating sustainable opportunities within the creative economy.

“We are intentional about building a sustainable ecosystem where art, heritage and tourism intersect to tell a stronger story of Nigeria,” he said. “This visit by NATOP is significant because it connects the museum directly with the professionals shaping travel experiences across the country. YSMA is not simply a repository of art; it is a cultural destination capable of attracting global audiences and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s creative and tourism economy.”

A major highlight of the visit was a courtesy meeting with the Vice Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Enase Okonedo, who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote culture, education and national development.

According to her, tourism and culture remain powerful tools for shaping national identity and strengthening international engagement.

“At Pan-Atlantic University, we view the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art not only as a repository of heritage but also as a dynamic platform for education, dialogue and cultural exchange,” she said. “We commend NATOP for its leadership in advancing tourism in Nigeria and appreciate its efforts in helping showcase the richness of our cultural heritage to wider audiences.”

Responding to the museum’s vision and offerings, NATOP President Bolaji Mustapha described YSMA as one of Nigeria’s most important cultural destinations and pledged deeper collaboration between the association and the museum.

“The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art represents the kind of world-class experience that today’s travellers are looking for,” she said. “Beyond its remarkable collections, the museum offers an authentic cultural encounter that enriches how visitors understand Nigeria through its programs and activities. NATOP is committed to working closely with YSMA to increase its visibility among local and international tourists and to ensure it becomes a central feature in tourism itineraries across West Africa.”

Stakeholders at the meeting noted that the partnership is expected to open new opportunities for collaboration between the museum and tour operators nationwide, including the creation of curated cultural tour packages, increased visitor traffic and stronger integration of arts and heritage into Nigeria’s tourism value chain.

As Nigeria’s first purpose-built private university museum, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art continues to position itself at the intersection of culture, education and public engagement. The institution has steadily gained international recognition for its role in preserving and showcasing Nigeria’s artistic heritage while using art as a tool for dialogue, education and tourism development.

The museum was voted Museum Opening of the Year in 2020 by Apollo Magazine and has since expanded its profile through exhibitions, educational programmes and public engagement initiatives designed to deepen appreciation for Nigerian art and culture.