WTM London: NANTA leads Nigeria’s return as NTDA makes comeback

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Nigeria’s tourism industry is set for renewed international visibility as the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) leads a delegation of private-sector operators to the 2026 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) also expected to participate after the country’s absence from last year’s exhibition.

The three-day global travel and tourism exhibition, scheduled for November 3 to 5, provides an opportunity for Nigeria to reconnect with international tourism investors, destination marketers, travel agencies and hospitality businesses, while showcasing the country’s tourism and cultural assets.

NANTA’s participation marks another phase in its efforts to sustain Nigeria’s presence at the prestigious exhibition, having spearheaded the country’s return to the global tourism marketplace between 2022 and 2024 through privately sourced funding and the mobilisation of its members.

The association’s intervention followed concerns over Nigeria’s inconsistent participation in WTM London since 2013, when Otunba Segun Runsewe left the then Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), now the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority.

Determined to reverse the declining international visibility, NANTA mobilised its members and resources to secure Nigeria’s participation for three consecutive years without government funding.

The association subsequently handed over the responsibility to the Federal Government through the then Ministry of Tourism and its tourism agency at a ceremony during the 2024 edition of WTM London.

This year’s exhibition will see NANTA’s First Deputy President, Mustapha Mohammed, lead a high-powered delegation of members and industry stakeholders.

The assignment also marks Mohammed’s first international engagement since his recent election into the association’s leadership. He is representing NANTA President, Dr Yinka Folami, who is currently away on another assignment on behalf of the association.

Speaking from London ahead of the exhibition, Mohammed expressed excitement about leading the delegation, commending NANTA members for their sacrifices and commitment to promoting Nigeria’s tourism industry.

He described the association’s participation as another opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s presence in the international travel and tourism marketplace.

“I feel privileged to lead this great association to the London travel market and, most interestingly, to inspire again the return of Nigeria to the global tourism and travel trade market.

“We are proud to be the only association with a dedicated stand at WTM London, and I must thank our president, Dr Yinka Folami, for making this happen.

“As usual, we expect the teeming numbers of NANTA members to be here to make Nigeria proud. We understand NTDA will be here, and together, Nigeria’s tourism flag will fly again,” he said.

Also in London is NANTA’s immediate past president, Susan Akporiaye, who is reportedly coordinating efforts to support the Federal Government’s participation through the NTDA.

Her involvement reflects her continued engagement in industry initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation at international tourism exhibitions and ensuring effective coordination between public and private-sector stakeholders.

Also expected at the exhibition is the Chairman of the Nigeria Tourism Sector Skills Council and immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Nkereweum Onung.

Onung, who also serves as Honorary Senior Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, is expected to use the global platform to promote Nigeria’s tourism opportunities and advance discussions on destination development.

He is also expected to unveil a new tourism marketing company, Experience Ibom, later in the year as part of efforts to promote Akwa Ibom State as an attractive destination for domestic and international visitors.

The initiative aligns with the tourism development agenda of Governor Eno, whose administration has continued to invest in tourism infrastructure and position the state to attract more visitors and tourism-related investments.

With NANTA’s established private-sector presence, the expected participation of NTDA and the involvement of other industry stakeholders, Nigeria’s return to the exhibition is expected to provide renewed opportunities for international engagement and destination marketing.

Beyond the country’s growing global cultural appeal through Afrobeats, Nigerian cuisine and the international popularity of Jollof rice, stakeholders are expected to use WTM London to promote the country’s diverse tourism assets, including its cultural festivals, heritage sites, hospitality offerings and natural attractions.

The broader objective is to translate Nigeria’s cultural visibility into tangible tourism partnerships, investment opportunities, business transactions and increased visitor arrivals.

For Nigeria’s tourism industry, the exhibition also presents an opportunity to strengthen public-private collaboration and establish a more consistent presence in the international marketplace, rather than relying on occasional participation in major global events.