The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has proposed a series of market penetration strategies to Turkish Airlines as it rounded off its travel trade collaboration tour in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Leading a nine-man delegation, NANTA President Mr. Yinka Folami presented a robust package of proposals aimed at fostering a mutually beneficial partnership between both organizations. The strategies emphasized ease of visa access to Türkiye for Nigerian travelers, Hajj and Umrah charter services, increased flight frequencies—especially from the South-East and South-South via Port Harcourt International Airport—and enhanced incentives for Nigerian passengers.
The high-level meeting took place on Thursday at the Turkish Airlines headquarters in Istanbul, where NANTA expressed appreciation for the airline’s longstanding support of Nigerian travel professionals. Folami specifically acknowledged the efforts of Turkish Airlines’ Nigeria office in promoting trade relations and urged the carrier to advocate for more flexible visa policies for Nigerian travelers, stating that such measures would significantly boost sales and strengthen bilateral tourism.
“NANTA is eager to build on the support we’ve received from Turkish Airlines by deepening collaboration, especially in pilgrimage operations,” Folami said. “Nigeria ranks fourth globally in terms of pilgrimage traffic, and Turkish Airlines is well-positioned to service this demand through efficient charter arrangements.”
The NANTA President also highlighted Turkish Airlines’ official partnership for NANTA’s upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration in 2026. He noted that the event presents a prime marketing opportunity for the airline to expand its footprint in the dynamic Nigerian travel market.
During the session, Folami commended the airline’s Touristanbul program, describing it as a world-class initiative that enhances passenger experience for travelers transiting through Istanbul. “We have seen the layers of opportunities that your tourism and hospitality offerings present. This experience will certainly help us better market Turkish Airlines to our customers,” he added.
Turkish Airlines officials, including Abdullah Yormaz, Tour Marketing Manager, and Mustafa Pehlivan, Charter Manager, warmly received the NANTA delegation. Yormaz assured that the proposals and recommendations made by the delegation would be relayed to the airline’s Vice President for Africa.
He also elaborated on the Touristanbul package, which offers guided city tours and culinary experiences to transit passengers with extended layovers, emphasizing Turkish Airlines’ commitment to customer satisfaction and cultural exposure.
The meeting concluded with a documentary presentation showcasing Türkiye’s rich tourism and cultural sites, sparking excitement among the NANTA delegation.
NANTA’s delegation included top executives such as 1st Deputy President Mrs. Chinyere Umeasiegbu, 2nd Deputy President Dr. Olatokunbo Dagunduro, Vice Presidents Mrs. Kemabonta Uloma Ibiwari (Abuja), Mr. Mohammed Nasir Chamo (Kano), Mr. Babatunde Adesokan (Western Zone), and Mr. Yinka Olapade (Lagos Zone), as well as Financial Secretary Mr. Yinka Ladipo, Publicity Secretary Mrs. Adelola Adewole, National Internal Auditor Mr. Johnson Ugochukwu, and Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Stanley Diagi.
The Istanbul tour marks another step in NANTA’s broader strategy to forge global alliances and boost Nigeria’s travel trade sector.
