NATOP Partners with Lagos Government to Unveil Nigeria’s Tourism Potential
In celebration of its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM), themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Empowering Tour Operators for Sustainable Destination Development,” the Association of Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP) is collaborating with the Lagos State Government and various organizations to highlight Nigeria’s tourism opportunities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
During a press briefing in Lagos, NATOP President Hajia Bolaji Mustapha emphasized that NATOP is the foremost professional body representing tour operators and tourism stakeholders in Nigeria. Established to advance tourism, the association serves as a crucial platform for advocacy, capacity building, destination marketing, and promoting sustainable tourism practices nationwide. Over the years, NATOP has significantly contributed to domestic tourism promotion, supported tourism entrepreneurs, and positioned Nigeria as a competitive destination in the global tourism landscape.
As Mustapha noted, the 10th Anniversary AGM represents a pivotal moment in NATOP’s ongoing journey to enhance and contribute to Nigeria’s tourism sector. The event will gather tour operators, travel professionals, government representatives, tourism investors, hospitality stakeholders, development partners, and industry experts from Nigeria and abroad. It serves as an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the association’s accomplishments, discuss emerging challenges and opportunities, and foster professional networking aimed at setting a strategic direction for future tourism development in Nigeria.
The main goals of the 10th Anniversary Conference include celebrating a decade of influential gatherings, fostering collaboration among tourism stakeholders, and advocating for policies that promote tourism growth and investment. The conference will showcase Nigeria’s diverse tourism assets and destinations, empower entrepreneurs through knowledge exchange, strengthen the role of tour operators in economic development, and encourage sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Mustapha expressed confidence that the anniversary meeting would reinforce NATOP’s status as a leading force in Nigeria’s tourism industry while nurturing partnerships that drive innovation, investment, job creation, and sustainable development across the country. “As we commemorate this 10th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to using tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and national development,” she stated.
For this year’s event, NATOP will rotate its general meeting to Enugu State, a destination noted for its developing tourism potential. Mustapha highlighted that NATOP will only visit states that demonstrate significant tourism opportunities and are prepared to showcase them. The agenda includes the opening of NATOP’s Lagos office, a cocktail reception, the main conference, a city tour, and an intimate networking retreat among members, culminating with a golf tournament and gala dinner.
Praising the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for ongoing support to tour operators, Mustapha explained that the choice to hold the 10th General Assembly in Lagos stems from the state’s pivotal role as a tourism promoter in Nigeria. Lagos State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Toke Benson Awoyinka, echoed this sentiment, stating that Lagos serves as a hub for tourism, culture, arts, and entertainment—areas that NATOP is dedicated to promoting.
Awoyinka further emphasized that the Lagos State Government, under Sanwo-Olu’s direction, prioritizes tourism as part of its THEMES The Plus Agenda, which includes a focus on entertainment and tourism. This initiative aims to leverage Lagos’s rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions to elevate the tourism experience. Other sponsors supporting the event include Air Peace, Rwanda Air, Westview Tours Ltd, and several others, underscoring a collective commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
