October 17, (THEWILL) – The Honourable Minister of Tourism has announced that Nigeria will return to the prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) in London in 2024, marking the country’s first official participation in over a decade.
In a meeting held on Wednesday, the Minister met with key tourism stakeholders to finalise plans for Nigeria’s involvement in the global event.
The meeting brought together representatives from leading tourism associations, including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), led by President Mr Nkereuwem Onung; the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), headed by President Mr Yinka Folami; and the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), represented by President Hajia Bolaji Mustapha. Also present was Mrs. Ola Wright of the West Africa Tourism Organisation.
In her opening remarks, the Minister expressed gratitude to NANTA for representing Nigeria at the past two editions of WTM but emphasised that the Ministry will take the lead for the 2024 event. She highlighted the importance of presenting a unified delegation, ensuring Nigeria’s visibility and impact on the global stage.
“I am grateful to NANTA for their past efforts, but it is crucial that we consolidate our resources and expertise as a nation to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential effectively,” said the Minister.
Mr Nkereuwem Onung, President of FTAN, commended the Minister’s initiative and assured stakeholders that NANTA would align its independent plans with the Ministry’s broader strategy. He emphasised that this collective effort would bolster Nigeria’s presence at the WTM.
The 2024 World Travel Market, one of the largest tourism exhibitions globally, presents a prime opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its diverse attractions, foster new partnerships, and attract foreign investment in the tourism sector. The unified approach is expected to heighten Nigeria’s profile and drive interest in the country’s rich cultural and natural assets.
The event is seen as a critical step toward boosting Nigeria’s tourism industry, which has been identified as a key driver for economic growth and diversification.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
