By Afolabi Osho |
In a defining moment for Nigeria’s travel industry, the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has clinched the Best African Travel Association award at the prestigious African Tourism Awards in London — a recognition that cements its reputation as one of Africa’s most influential voices in tourism development and advocacy.
Presented on November 2, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel, Canary Wharf, the ceremony preceded the official opening of the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, the world’s leading travel trade event. For NANTA, this accolade is more than a trophy — it’s a validation of years of resilience, strategic leadership, and commitment to promoting intra-African travel and Nigeria’s cultural tourism on the global stage.
A Triumph for Nigerian Tourism Leadership
Representing NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, at the awards were former president Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, Mrs. Lola Adewole, and Mr. Johnson Ugochukwu — distinguished leaders whose presence underscored NANTA’s continuity of leadership and unity of purpose. Their collective appearance at the ceremony reflected an association that remains grounded in collaboration and a shared mission to elevate Nigeria’s travel sector internationally.
In his post-award message, Mr. Folami described the recognition as “a powerful motivation to deepen tourism growth not only in Nigeria but across the entire African continent.” He extended special appreciation to Nigerians in the diaspora, acknowledging their essential role in promoting Nigeria’s image abroad and in driving demand for authentic African experiences.
A Platform for African Excellence
The African Tourism Awards, founded and produced by Mr. Efetobo Awhana, were conceived to spotlight outstanding destinations, organizations, and professionals advancing Africa’s tourism narrative. According to Awhana, the awards aim to inspire travel “to Africa, by Africans, and for Africans.”
That mission perfectly aligns with NANTA’s long-standing advocacy for stronger intra-African connectivity, fair business practices, and unified tourism policy frameworks that empower African operators to thrive.
“NANTA’s recognition demonstrates how African associations can shape global conversations about travel, trade, and tourism policy,” says Awhana. “It shows the power of collaboration and consistency.”
NANTA at the World Travel Market
NANTA’s sustained presence at WTM London over the past three years has positioned Nigeria as a visible and credible player in global tourism circles. Through its participation, the association has built bridges between Nigerian tour operators, travel agencies, and international partners, showcasing the country’s hospitality potential and rich cultural tourism portfolio — from heritage festivals to culinary experiences and eco-adventure destinations.
At WTM, NANTA’s pavilions have become rallying points for African collaboration, often serving as meeting grounds for regional associations and policymakers seeking to harmonize travel regulations, improve aviation connectivity, and promote sustainable practices across the continent.
Championing Intra-African Tourism
The award also underscores the rising significance of intra-African tourism as a key driver of economic resilience and social cohesion. Over the past few years, NANTA has championed campaigns encouraging Africans to travel within the continent — promoting destinations from West Africa’s vibrant metropolises to East Africa’s safari circuits and Southern Africa’s coastal retreats.
By promoting regional travel, NANTA helps reduce dependency on long-haul markets and builds a more sustainable industry that circulates income, fosters cultural exchange, and strengthens Africa’s tourism value chains. This approach proved especially vital in the post-pandemic recovery period when regional tourism became a lifeline for many African destinations.
Building the Future: Talent, Innovation, and Identity
NANTA’s leadership has consistently emphasized the fusion of culture and commerce in promoting Nigeria’s tourism image. Through initiatives that spotlight local talent, empower women in travel, and nurture young entrepreneurs, the association continues to position the travel industry as both a business and a cultural mission.
Under Mr. Folami’s presidency, NANTA has expanded its focus on digital transformation, member education, and strategic partnerships. By blending traditional hospitality with modern travel infrastructure, the association showcases a Nigeria that is confident, creative, and globally competitive — from its vibrant arts scene to its booming culinary and events sectors.
A Model for Professional Associations
For many observers, NANTA’s success is also a case study in how professional associations can serve as engines of change. Beyond advocacy, NANTA invests in capacity building, policy engagement, and industry standardization. Its voice has been critical in dialogues around aviation policies, ticket distribution systems, and regional cooperation.
Such efforts have earned it respect not only within Nigeria but across the African tourism community, where associations increasingly serve as catalysts for reform, digital innovation, and sustainable destination management.
The Road Ahead
With this global honour, NANTA is poised to accelerate partnerships across Africa and the diaspora, fostering collaboration in training, product development, and brand storytelling. As travel trends evolve toward authentic, experience-based tourism, NANTA’s vision of “travel for Africans, by Africans” aligns with the industry’s future trajectory.
In an era where the tourism sector is being reshaped by digitalization, sustainability, and community-based experiences, the association’s achievement serves as both a benchmark and a beacon for African tourism professionals.
A Win Beyond Borders
NANTA’s recognition as Best African Travel Association is more than a headline — it’s a symbol of how far Nigerian tourism has come and how much potential still lies ahead. It celebrates a story of leadership, collaboration, and cultural pride, while reminding the continent that Africa’s tourism renaissance will be powered by Africans themselves.
“This award is a call to action,” Folami affirmed. “It challenges us to keep building bridges, telling our stories, and ensuring that Africa’s tourism voice is heard loud and clear across the world.”
As Nigeria and its regional partners continue to chart new paths in global travel, NANTA’s London triumph stands as proof that excellence, when built on vision and perseverance, transcends borders.
