The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority [NTDA], Mr. Ola Awakan, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making Nigeria’s return to the global tourism exhibition circuit possible after several years of absence from the World Travel Market [WTM] and other major international travel trade events.
Speaking at the Nigerian stand at the ongoing World Travel Market [WTM], which commenced today at ExCeL London, Awakan described Nigeria’s presence at the global event as a significant moment for the country’s tourism industry.
For the first time in several years, the Nigerian stand is prominently displaying the country’s national colours, green, white and green, attracting attention from delegates, exhibitors and visitors. The development has also generated conversations among Nigerians and passers-by, many expressing surprise and excitement at seeing Nigeria represented again at the prestigious international gathering.
“It is a good feeling to see Nigeria back where it truly belongs,” Awakan said.
He noted that Nigeria’s participation should not be regarded as a one-off appearance, stressing that President Tinubu recognises the importance of tourism as an instrument of economic development, political engagement and social integration.
According to him, the administration understands that tourism goes beyond leisure and hospitality, offering opportunities for investment, employment generation, international cooperation, cultural diplomacy and national economic growth.
Awakan assured stakeholders that Nigeria’s return to the international tourism exhibition circuit would be sustained, adding that the NTDA was already looking beyond WTM to other major global travel trade platforms.
He disclosed that Nigeria, through the NTDA, would participate in the forthcoming FITUR in Spain, ITB Berlin in Germany and other important international travel exhibitions as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s visibility, attract investment and promote its tourism potential.
The NTDA Director-General said consistent participation in these events would provide Nigeria with opportunities to engage international tour operators, destination marketers, investors, airlines and other tourism industry stakeholders.
Speaking further on his role as Chairman of the African Travel Commission [ATC], Awakan pledged to leverage the opportunities presented by travel and tourism to strengthen cooperation and build closer relationships among tourism leaders and industry counterparts across the African continent.
He emphasised the need for stronger continental collaboration, noting that tourism could serve as an effective platform for promoting African unity, economic partnerships and people-to-people relationships.
His comments come at a time when African destinations are increasingly seeking greater visibility in the international tourism marketplace and exploring opportunities to expand intra-African travel.
Nigeria’s participation at WTM is therefore expected to provide a renewed platform for showcasing the country’s tourism assets, cultural diversity, hospitality offerings and investment opportunities to the international travel trade.
By Dr. Lucky Onoriode George, Excel, London.