Race to Market Nigeria: NANTA leads the way, As Ooni of Ife backs up at WTM
The Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja the second, will grace the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies stand at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, excel in November.
The tourism loving Royal Father and investor will sit out at the global tourism trade show in the most colourful royal splendour, showcasing Nigerian culture and tradition, endorsing the zeal and commitment of Nigeria biggest travel trade operators to market Nigeria to the world.
Last year, in a most profound solo effort, NANTA led the President and tourism amazon, Mrs Susan Akporiaye proudly showcased Nigeria, inspired by the desire to change the narratives of years of absence and presence of the country at the global travel market.
In May this year, NANTA, in partnership with the Tour Operators Union of Ghana, organized the first pan African tourism training conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The training geared towards giving critical exposure to trade professionals in the two sisters West African countries was supported by South Africa Tourism, with the University of Johannesburg powering the faculty of experts.
The WTM appearance this year is the second solo effort by NANTA to give Nigeria a voice and presence at the international tourism market gathering in London without government support and funding.
President of NANTA, Mrs Susan Akporiaye, disclosed that Nigeria’s cultural tourism future is critical to the development of the country and can not be left alone for the government to champion.
“We at nanta is committed to showcasing Nigeria and is interested in helping out in the promotion and marketing of Nigerian cultural tourism assets. Many people are of the negative opinion that we should keep away from doing good to the image of our nation, and we choose against all odds to proudly and sacrificially put Nigeria first before any primordial sentiments or interest.” she stated.
On the appearance of the Ooni of Ife at the nanta trade show piece in London, Mrs Akporiaye expressed happiness at the Royal support from the Ooni of Ife, noting that the Nigerian first class king’s promised appearance is divine and a great honour to Nigeria and its diverse cultural tourism heritage.
“I can imagine the pull and shove expected by lovers of Nigerian royalty and, at most significant presence of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan, Ojaja the second, Ooni of Ife. It is going to be the most unprecedented event in the history of Nigeria presence at WTM and a great support and endorsement of NANTA for standing in gap for Nigeria. Indeed, the world will be excited to meet one of the icons of our reverred traditional institutions”, the excited NANTA president further explained.
Already, about a hundred nanta members have indicated interest to participate in colourful tourism train to market Nigeria at the London tourism and travel trade gathering, possibly surpassing the record attendance in South Africa recently.
