*Says Nigeria’s Return To Global Tourism Showcase Marks New Era, Pledges Sustained Private Sector Support
The President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Dr. Yinka Folami, has commended the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and its Director-General, Dr. Ola Awakan, for what he described as Nigeria’s impressive and historic outing at the 2026 World Travel Market (WTM) in London.
Folami said Nigeria’s return to the world’s biggest travel trade exhibition after missing the previous year’s edition and more than a decade of inconsistent participation represented a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to reclaim its position in the global tourism market.
The 2026 edition of WTM London was held at ExCeL London from November 3 to 5.
Speaking on behalf of NANTA, the umbrella body for travel agencies in Nigeria, Folami described the country’s participation as dignified and impressive, noting that the NTDA had successfully projected Nigeria’s tourism potential before an international audience.
Folami, who was represented at the event by NANTA’s First Deputy President, Mustapha Mohammed, led a high-powered delegation of the association to London.
NANTA was also the only association with a dedicated presence at the NTDA stand during the exhibition.
In his remarks, Folami praised Awakan for providing the leadership and coordination that facilitated Nigeria’s return to the international tourism marketplace.
He said the NTDA did not merely take Nigeria to London but restored the country’s visibility and engagement with the global tourism industry.
“On behalf of NANTA, I want to commend the Director-General of NTDA, Dr. Ola Awakan, for putting together an impressive outing for Nigeria at WTM London.
“He did not just take Nigeria to London, he took Nigeria back to the world. After years of absence, after years of invisibility, Nigeria was seen, Nigeria was heard, Nigeria was engaged.
“The NTDA stand was a true national showcase. The storytelling was compelling. The partnerships were strategic. The visibility was real. This is what leadership looks like. This is what commitment looks like. And NANTA is proud to have stood side by side with NTDA in London,” he said.
Folami noted that Nigeria’s participation provided an important platform to showcase the country’s tourism assets, promote key destinations and products, attract international interest and explore new business opportunities.
He added that the exhibition also created opportunities for strategic partnerships, innovation and stronger collaboration between Nigerian tourism operators and international industry stakeholders.
The NANTA president further pledged the association’s continued support for the NTDA, insisting that sustainable tourism development could only be achieved through effective collaboration between government and private-sector operators.
“I want to assure Dr. Awakan and the entire NTDA that NANTA under my leadership will continue to support his leadership of NTDA.
“We will always partner with NTDA and other government tourism agencies to harness, develop, grow and market Nigerian tourism assets and destinations.
“Government cannot do it alone. Private sector cannot do it alone. But together, government and private sector can put Nigeria where she belongs — on the world map, and on the world market,” he stated.
He recalled that NANTA handed over the responsibility of Nigeria’s participation in the international exhibition in 2024, stressing that the priority should always be ensuring Nigeria maintains a strong presence at major global tourism events.
“We handed over in 2024 because we believe the goal is not who owns Nigeria’s stand, but that Nigeria has a stand. And now that NTDA has taken up the baton with such excellence, NANTA will stand beside NTDA — wherever Nigeria needs us, we will be there,” he added.
Folami also paid tribute to the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NTT Global Destinations, Elizabeth Agbola, for her contributions and collaboration with the NTDA in facilitating Nigeria’s return to the global tourism exhibition.
He described Agbola as one of the key stakeholders whose behind-the-scenes efforts, industry connections and commitment helped make the country’s participation possible.
The NANTA president expressed hope that Nigeria’s return to WTM London would become a permanent feature of the country’s international tourism promotion strategy.
He specifically called for sustained Nigerian participation at major global tourism exhibitions, including FITUR in Madrid, ITB Berlin, Arabian Travel Market in Dubai and WTM London.
According to him, international visibility is essential to attracting tourists, investments and business opportunities, warning that Nigeria could not effectively market its tourism products without maintaining a consistent presence in the global marketplace.
“Visibility is not vanity. Visibility is business. If you are not seen, you are not sold. And Nigeria must be seen. Nigeria must be sold,” he declared.
Folami also urged other tourism associations and industry stakeholders, including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), hoteliers, tour operators, airlines and state tourism boards, to rally behind government initiatives aimed at developing the sector.
He called for an end to unhealthy rivalry among industry players, arguing that collective commitment was necessary to position Nigeria as a leading tourism destination in Africa.
“I am calling on all other players, all other associations — FTAN, NATOP, ATPN, hoteliers, tour operators, airlines, state tourism boards — let us support government efforts to promote tourism in Nigeria.
“Let us stop grumbling. Let us stop competing for who owns Nigeria. Let us compete for who serves Nigeria better.
“Government has done its part at WTM. Now we must do our part. Let us bring our products, let us bring our packages, let us bring our investments, and let us make Nigeria the destination of choice in Africa,” he said.
He equally appreciated NANTA members who travelled to London, contributed financially and participated actively in promoting Nigeria’s tourism offerings during the exhibition.
Special recognition was given to the Chairman of NANTA’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Aminu Agoha, and BOT member, Alhaji Kabir Maiwada, for their visible support and presence at the event.
Folami also acknowledged the contributions of FTAN, NATOP, AITEC World, the media and members of the Nigerian diaspora community in the United Kingdom, who turned out in large numbers to support Nigeria’s pavilion.
He described their participation as evidence of the willingness of Nigerians at home and abroad to contribute to the country’s tourism development.
Concluding, the NANTA president expressed optimism that Nigeria would sustain the momentum generated by its return to WTM London, reaffirming the association’s commitment to working with the NTDA and other government agencies.
“Nigeria is back. And by the grace of God, Nigeria is here to stay. NANTA will always partner with NTDA. NANTA will always put Nigeria first. That is not just our slogan. That is our legacy,” he said.
