Tourism Minister Pledges Collaboration with Nigeria Association of Tour Operators
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Tourism Minister Pledges Collaboration with Nigeria Association of Tour Operators
Ministry to Promote Nigeria’s Tourism and Cultural Heritage
Abuja, Thursday – The Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, has committed to partnering with the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) to enhance the promotion of Nigeria’s rich tourism sites, cultural heritage, and hospitality offerings. During a meeting with NATOP President, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, and her executive team, the minister expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, aiming to showcase Nigeria’s diverse landscape and cultural heritage to both domestic and international audiences.
Supporting Tourism Growth
Mrs. Ade-John emphasized the importance of NATOP’s efforts in exploring and packaging Nigeria’s tourism assets. She assured the association of her ministry’s support, stating, “We shall partner together, and I do assure you of my ministry’s support and encouragement. Going forward, we will include your association in our activities.” The minister also requested NATOP provide a list of accredited members and promised to involve the association in the review and enhancement of the country’s tourism policy.
Funding Challenges and Future Plans
Addressing financial constraints, Mrs. Ade-John acknowledged that the ministry’s current budget may hinder participation in this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London. However, she assured NATOP that next year’s budget would allow for greater investment in tourism projects, saying, “We are financially constrained for now, but by next year, we will be better positioned to embark on major tourism projects together.”
NATOP’s Vision for Nigeria’s Tourism
In response, NATOP President Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha outlined the association’s short- and long-term goals to promote Nigeria’s tourism assets. She emphasized NATOP’s dedication to marketing Nigeria’s cultural heritage, ecological tourism, and festivals on a global scale. “We are here to assure you of our partnership and collaboration to market Nigeria’s diverse offerings,” Mustapha stated, highlighting the association’s desire to help reposition Nigeria as a top tourist destination in Africa.
Project Rediscover Nigeria
NATOP also announced its upcoming “Project Rediscover Nigeria,” which aims to galvanize states, local authorities, and citizens to prioritize the promotion of Nigerian culture and tourism. The project seeks to reinforce the socioeconomic importance of tourism as a tool for job creation and empowerment, contributing to an improved global ranking for Nigeria as a must-visit destination.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together to boost Nigeria’s tourism industry, with an eye toward greater international visibility in the coming years.
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