The President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Dr. Yinka Folami, has praised the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and its Director-General, Dr. Ola Awakan, for Nigeria’s participation at the 2026 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, describing the country’s return to the international tourism exhibition as a significant step towards strengthening its global tourism presence.
The 2026 edition of the World Travel Market took place at ExCeL London from November 3 to 5, marking Nigeria’s return to the global travel trade event after missing the previous edition and years of inconsistent participation.
Speaking on behalf of NANTA, Folami described the country’s presence at the event as an important opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential, attract international attention and build stronger partnerships within the global travel industry.
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He was represented at the exhibition by NANTA’s First Deputy President, Mustapha Mohammed, who led a delegation of the association. NANTA also maintained a dedicated presence at the NTDA stand during the event.
In a statement, Folami said Nigeria’s participation went beyond setting up an exhibition stand, noting that it provided an opportunity for the country to reconnect with the international tourism market.
He commended Awakan and the NTDA team for their efforts in organising the country’s participation and acknowledged the role of collaboration, storytelling and innovation in promoting Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Folami also expressed NANTA’s continued support for the NTDA leadership, stressing that the association would maintain its partnership with government tourism agencies to develop and promote the country’s tourism assets.
According to him, the development of Nigeria’s tourism sector requires cooperation between the government and private sector, rather than isolated efforts.
He recalled that NANTA handed over its previous role in Nigeria’s participation in 2024, explaining that the association’s priority had always been to ensure the country’s continued presence at major international tourism exhibitions.
The NANTA president also recognised Elizabeth Agbola, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NTT Global Destinations, for working with Awakan and the NTDA to facilitate Nigeria’s return to the international event.
He further called for Nigeria to maintain a regular presence at major global tourism exhibitions, including FITUR in Madrid, ITB Berlin, Arabian Travel Market in Dubai and WTM London.
Folami said sustained participation in such events could help improve Nigeria’s international visibility, attract business opportunities and promote its tourism destinations to potential visitors and investors.
He also urged other tourism stakeholders and industry associations, including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), hoteliers, airlines and state tourism boards, to support government initiatives aimed at developing the sector.
He encouraged industry players to focus on promoting their tourism products, packages and investment opportunities while working collectively to position Nigeria as a major tourism destination in Africa.
Folami equally appreciated NANTA members, the association’s Board of Trustees, tourism stakeholders, media organisations and members of the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom who supported the country’s participation in London.
He specifically acknowledged NANTA’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Agoha, and board member Alhaji Kabir Maiwada for their presence and support during the exhibition.
The NANTA president concluded by reaffirming the association’s commitment to working with the NTDA and other stakeholders to sustain Nigeria’s presence at international tourism events and strengthen the country’s position in the global tourism industry.
