NTDA, FTAN JOIN FORCES TO PROJECT NIGERIA AS A HIGH-END TOURIST DESTINATION IN AFRICA

Public and Private Sectors Unite to Take Nigeria’s Tourism Story to the World Travel Marke

LAGOS, NIGERIA —The Nigerian tourism industry is set to receive a major boost as the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) collaborates with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) to strategically position Nigeria as a high-end and competitive tourist destination in Africa.

The collaboration signals a renewed commitment to stronger public-private sector cooperation in driving tourism development, destination promotion and international visibility for Nigeria.

According to the DG NTDA Dr. Olayiwola Awakan and the President of FTAN, Dr. Aliyu Badaki the organised private sector will champion the mobilisation and coordination of  tourism stakeholders from across Nigeria’s private sector to represent the country at the forthcoming World Travel Market (WTM), one of the world's leading international travel and tourism platforms.

On its part, the NTDA will coordinate and organise relevant government stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria presents a stronger, more unified and compelling destination proposition to the global tourism market.

The FTAN President described the development as a laudable accomplishment for Nigeria’s tourism sector, noting that the collaboration presents an opportunity for both government and industry stakeholders to work together in promoting Nigeria beyond its traditional narratives.

“The organised private sector will be championing and organising the private sector stakeholders to represent Nigeria at the World Travel Market, while the NTDA will, on the other hand, organise the government stakeholders. This is a laudable accomplishment for the tourism sector, and we are hoping for the best for the industry as we drive Nigerian tourism development and promotion.”

Telling Nigeria’s Story to the World

At the heart of the initiative is a simple but powerful message: Nigeria is an interesting destination, and the world needs to experience it.

From the energetic streets of Lagos to the breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, festivals, music, arts, cuisine and warm hospitality found across the country, Nigeria possesses an extraordinary range of tourism experiences capable of attracting travellers from around the world.

In recent years, numerous international tourists and travel vloggers have visited Nigeria and shared their experiences online, showcasing a side of the country that continues to surprise and inspire global audiences.

Their experiences have demonstrated that Nigeria has stories worth telling and destinations worth exploring.

The challenge and opportunity now lies with Nigerians to tell these stories even better.

As the FTAN President noted, “It is our job to tell our own stories better than a foreigner will tell them.”

This renewed destination-marketing approach seeks to encourage Nigerians, tourism businesses, destination managers, creatives, media professionals and other stakeholders to become active ambassadors of the country's tourism potential.

Beyond Tourism: Promoting Nigeria’s Identity and Unity

The campaign is not only about attracting international visitors. It is also about showcasing the identity, creativity and diversity that make Nigeria unique.

Nigeria's strength lies in its diversity—different cultures, languages, traditions, cuisines, music, fashion, festivals and artistic expressions coming together to create one extraordinary destination.

From culture and heritage to contemporary entertainment, adventure, hospitality, gastronomy and business tourism, Nigeria has the capacity to offer visitors experiences that are authentic, memorable and distinctly Nigerian.

Tourism therefore becomes more than an economic activity. It becomes a platform for cultural exchange, national pride, job creation, investment, enterprise development and unity.

A Stronger Nigeria at the Global Tourism Marketplace

The planned collaboration between NTDA and FTAN represents an important step towards presenting Nigeria as a more coordinated destination in the global tourism marketplace.

By bringing government and private sector stakeholders together, Nigeria can develop a stronger tourism narrative, showcase its investment opportunities, promote its destinations and experiences, and position its hospitality and tourism businesses before an international audience.

The World Travel Market provides an important platform to achieve this objective by connecting destinations with global travel buyers, investors, media, tourism professionals and consumers.

The expectation is that Nigeria's participation will not merely be about attending an international tourism event, but about actively selling Nigeria to the world.

The Message Is Clear: Experience Nigeria

Nigeria is ready to move beyond being a country that people hear about to becoming a destination that people want to experience.

The country's tourism stakeholders are being encouraged to embrace a collective responsibility to promote Nigeria positively, professionally and consistently.

Nigeria has the culture.
Nigeria has the creativity.
Nigeria has the music.
Nigeria has the arts.
Nigeria has the people.
Nigeria has the hospitality.
Nigeria has the stories.

What is required now is a coordinated effort to take those stories to the world.

The collaboration between NTDA and FTAN offers renewed hope that Nigeria can harness the strength of its public and private sectors to build a tourism industry capable of competing confidently with leading destinations across Africa and beyond.

The world is watching. Nigeria must tell its story. Nigeria must sell its experiences. Nigeria must invite the world to come and experience the greatness that is uniquely Nigerian.

Media Contact

Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN)
For media enquiries, interviews and further information, please contact the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria.

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