Nigeria’s leading travel and tourism trade body, the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), is set for another major outing at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, scheduled to hold from November 3 to 5.
The association, which spearheaded Nigeria’s return to the global travel and tourism marketplace between 2022 and 2024 without government funding, is once again leading the country’s organised private sector players in showcasing Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality potential.
NANTA’s participation is expected to provide critical support for Nigeria’s return to the international tourism exhibition following the country’s absence from last year’s edition.
Nigeria’s inconsistent participation in the world’s biggest travel and tourism trade exhibition since Otunba Segun Runsewe left the then Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), now Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), in 2013, has reportedly affected the country’s visibility and promotional presence in the global tourism market.
Concerned by the development, NANTA took up the responsibility of restoring Nigeria’s presence at the event, mobilising its members and privately sourced funds to ensure the country maintained a presence for three consecutive years.
The association subsequently handed over the responsibility to the Federal Government through the then Ministry of Tourism and its tourism-focused agency at a well-attended ceremony during the 2024 edition of WTM London.
This year, NANTA’s First Deputy President, Mustapha Mohammed is leading a high-powered delegation to the exhibition. The trip marks his first international assignment since his recent election into the association’s leadership.
Mohammed is representing NANTA President, Dr Yinka Folami, who is currently away on another assignment on behalf of the association.
Speaking from London, Mohammed expressed excitement about leading the delegation, commending the association’s members for their consistent commitment and sacrifices towards promoting Nigeria’s tourism industry.
“I feel privileged to lead this great association to the London travel market and, most interestingly, to inspire again the return of Nigeria to the global tourism and travel trade market.
“We are proud to be the only association with a dedicated stand at WTM London, and I must thank our president, Dr Yinka Folami, for making this happen.
“As usual, we expect the teeming numbers of NANTA members to be here to make Nigeria proud. We understand NTDA will be here, and together, Nigeria’s tourism flag will fly again,” he said.
Meanwhile, NANTA’s immediate past president, Susan Akporiaye, has also arrived in London ahead of the exhibition. She is reportedly leading efforts to ensure a hitch-free participation by the Federal Government, through the NTDA.
Her involvement is seen as a recognition of her longstanding commitment to promoting Nigeria’s tourism industry and ensuring that the country’s participation in international trade exhibitions is handled by credible and experienced industry players rather than questionable exhibition consultants.
Also expected at the London exhibition is the Chairman of the Nigeria Tourism Sector Skills Council and immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Nkereweum Onung.
Onung, who is also the Honorary Senior Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, is expected to use the global platform to advance conversations around Nigeria’s tourism potential.
He is also expected to unveil a new tourism marketing company, Experience Ibom, later in the year, as part of efforts to promote Akwa Ibom State as a leading tourism destination.
The development aligns with the tourism development drive of Governor Eno, whose administration has continued to invest in tourism infrastructure and position the state as a destination for domestic and international visitors.
With NANTA’s strong private-sector presence, the expected participation of NTDA and the involvement of other tourism stakeholders, Nigeria is hopeful of regaining its visibility at the global exhibition.
Beyond the country’s growing international recognition through Afrobeats and its rich culinary heritage, particularly Nigerian Jollof rice, WTM London is expected to provide an important platform for stakeholders to convert the country’s cultural appeal into tangible tourism partnerships, investments and visitor arrivals.