As a seasoned tourism and hospitality professional, Crystal Cummings has spent over 15 years shaping the tourism landscape, first in Trinidad and Tobago and now in Nigeria, where her passion for cultural exchange, economic growth, and environmental stewardship is making a profound impact. In her role as the Senior Special Assistant to the President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, she works alongside Otunba Wanle Akinboboye and the partners of Motherland Beckons to bring the IPADA Initiative and IPADA Carnival to life.
BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN CULTURES
Crystal’s work with the IPADA Initiative reflects her dedication to uniting Africa with its global diaspora. Launched under the leadership of Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, the IPADA Initiative focuses on connecting the diaspora to Africa through tourism, culture, and business. This initiative has garnered the support of the Nigerian Ministry of Tourism and recently gained a significant endorsement from President Bola Tinubu.
During the recent IPADA Carnival presidential briefing on September 19th, President Tinubu emphasized the initiative’s focus on the unity of Africa, a vision that Crystal has been supporting through her work. She has been instrumental in coordinating collaborations with the Ministry of Tourism that amplify Nigeria’s tourism potential, while encouraging diaspora direct investments to benefit local economies and promote cultural exchange.
IPADA Carnival: A VISION FOR UNITY
One of Crystal’s most impactful projects is her work on the IPADA Carnival, a major cultural celebration that promises to become a central event in Nigeria’s tourism calendar. Scheduled from November 29th to December 7th at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, the carnival is not only a showcase of African culture but also a platform for tourism development and diaspora engagement. Working closely with Otunba Wanle and the partners of Motherland Beckons, Crystal is helping to make this event a gateway for millions of people in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots.
Her role as Senior Special Assistant allows her to be involved in strategic discussions with key government officials, ensuring the IPADA Carnival receives the necessary support and visibility. With a long-term vision of facilitating the return of 50 million people to Africa over the next five years, the IPADA Carnival is well-positioned to become a powerful tool for unifying Africa and its diaspora.
COLLABORATION WITH THE NIGERIAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM
The collaboration between IPADA and the Nigerian Ministry of Tourism has been essential to the success of the movement. Crystal has been instrumental in facilitating dialogue between the ministry and various state tourism bodies to explore how tourism can be used as a catalyst for economic growth. During the IPADA Initiative sensitization event in early September, which gathered state commissioners of tourism from Osun, Ekiti, Kano, and Lagos, Crystal worked closely with these stakeholders to outline strategies for leveraging the IPADA platform.
This partnership between the public and private sectors, driven by leaders like Otunba Wanle and supported by Crystal, ensures that the IPADA Initiative is more than just an event—it’s an ongoing effort to promote tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR NIGERIAN TOURISM
Crystal’s commitment extends beyond tourism promotion to environmental sustainability. Her involvement in tree-planting initiatives in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation demonstrates her vision for a future where tourism development goes hand in hand with environmental conservation.
Through her work at La Campagne Tropicana and her close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Crystal is helping to shape the future of Nigerian tourism, creating lasting change through sustainable practices, cultural exchange, and economic development.
THE ROAD AHEAD
With the IPADA Carnival fast approaching, Crystal’s contributions, alongside Otunba Wanle and the partners of Motherland Beckons, continue to pave the way for a new era of tourism in Nigeria. As the world prepares to witness the grandeur of the IPADA Carnival, Crystal’s work behind the scenes ensures that this event will not only celebrate Africa but also unite it.
Crystal Cummings is making a lasting impact on Nigerian tourism, helping to connect the diaspora, foster economic growth, and promote environmental stewardship. As the IPADA Initiative continues to evolve, her work will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the industry, forging stronger bonds between Africa and the world.
