
… familiarization tour to Badagry, Namibia Amb. Keyamo, Lola Ade-John, Ikechi Uko to participate
The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) is gearing up for an unprecedented Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held in Lagos.
Scheduled from April 23-27, 2024, under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potentials: Travel and Tourism as catalyst for intra Africa Business Investment and Trade,” the event aims to spotlight Nigeria’s tourism offerings to the continent and beyond.
NANTA’s President, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye at a Pre-AGM press briefing, highlighted the AGM’s distinctive feature: the inauguration of an Intra Africa Tourism Trade Exhibition, envisioned as a sustainable platform to link Africa and Nigeria with the global market.
She said, the event will feature participation from seven African countries including Morocco, Rwanda, Gambia, Uganda, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, showcasing their respective tourism boards.
Emphasizing the significance of the exhibition, Mrs. Akporiaye underscored its alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) agenda, aiming to promote intra-African trade and tourism.
Eminent personalities expected at the AGM is His Excellency, The High Commissioner, Namibia, Mr Humphery Geiseb who will be the keynote speaker and special guest and also speak on “ Destination Africa: Exploring Technology and Innovation Driven Tourism, A Call to Action for Professionals in Travel and Tourism.
Nigeria’s Ministers of Aviation, Tourism, Mr Festus Keyamo and Mrs Lola Ade John, will be special guests of the day and will give inspiring goodwill messages.
Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, will speak on collaborative strategies for aviation stakeholders and professionals within SAATM Policy and Economic Framework.
While Mr Ikechi Uko, founder of Akwaaba Travel Market, will speak on identifying business, trade, and investment prospects in emerging Africa travel and tourism markets .
Mrs. Adelola Adewole, NANTA’s spokesperson, elaborated on the AGM’s structure, highlighting its focus on fostering intra-continental trade and collaboration.
The event will include a familiarization trip to Badagry on the first day to showcase Lagos’ diverse offerings beyond its traditional boundaries.
The subsequent days will feature conference sessions, exhibitions, keynote addresses, and panel discussions aimed at facilitating networking and knowledge exchange among members and industry stakeholders.
Adewole says, the AGM will culminate in a gala night, providing attendees with an opportunity to unwind and foster camaraderie beyond business matters.
Overall, the AGM aims not only to convene NANTA members but also to provide a platform for learning, networking, and enhancing business acumen within the travel and tourism industry.