October 15, (THEWILL) – No fewer than 26 Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) members converged recently on La Campagne Tropicana Resort, Lekki, for a familiarisation tour for the forthcoming Ipada Carnival, which was organised by NATOP in association with Ipada Initiatives and Malaikair.
The event was organised to foster relationships among stakeholders to support sustainable tourism development in Nigeria and Africa. Participants emphasised the need to showcase indigenous Nigerian content, such as festivals, historical sites, and natural areas. To them, such a step can act as a catalyst to transform the tourism industry.
Identifying the importance of tour operators in ensuring the success of such efforts, NATOP President Bolaji Mustapha reassured the association’s commitment to the Ipada Initiative. Mustapha emphasised that the Ipada initiative will motivate members of NATOP to market the next Ipada Carnival around the world.
The Founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye stressed the importance of using a strategic synergy approach to address issues affecting the growth of tourism in Africa.
He urged all parties involved to seize the chance presented and use tourism as a means of promoting economic expansion and creating partnership arrangements with the African diaspora.
Malaikair Managing Director, Kerens, identified the importance of collaboration to reinforce tourism activities, especially with the African diaspora. To this, she noted that the growing focus on tapping into the diaspora to boost tourism and cultural ties could significantly impact African countries’ tourism strategies.
Secretary General of NATOP Otunba Michael Balogun and; Chief Executive Officer of Dees Concept Travel and Tour Company, Mrs Doris Uchenna provided further insight into the benefits of strategic partnerships, especially with Malaikair, highlighting the importance of transportation in tourism and the potential of Nigerian destinations to make a significant international impact.
The familiarisation tour served as a platform for fostering collaboration, creating authentic travel packages, and preparing for the Ipada Carnival, which promises to elevate Nigerian tourism on a global scale.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
