Chioma Ezike
In a bid to unlock Nigeria’s vast tourism potential, the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has announced plans to promote Ondo State as a very viable tourist destination and other Nigerian states to boost domestic tourism.
This initiative which was revealed by NATOP’s President, Alhaja Bolaji Mustapha, at the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism’s (ANJET) interactive forum in Lagos, aims to generate revenue for locals and the government while encouraging Nigerians to explore their country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
She further explained that the decision to host NATOP’s 2025 Non Elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Akure, Ondo State, is a strategic move to promote Destination Ondo. and the event is expected to bring together industry stakeholders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of Nigeria’s tourism industry adding that by showcasing Ondo State’s unique attractions, NATOP aims to position the state as a major tourist hub and inspire other states to develop their tourism potential.
She commemded the Ondo State Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatewa for his support towards hosting the AGM. and added that pep are beginning to see the need to explore domestic tourism.
Alhaja Mustapha said NATOP executives had a meeting with the governor and that he was enthusiastic towards the state hosting the tour operators. She continued:
“We went round to actually see some of the venues where we going to be using. We had gone to Ondo town on familiarization trip as part of our tradition of visiting states to identify which state that we are going to. We try to identify some products and tell the people in charge how they can improve these sites, how they can make them viable for us to see….
“for decades now, we have been promoting this destination Nigeria. The effect is coming out now. People are beginning to see and understand those things that we are trying to put out. For our own tenure now, I and the executives, we have been working very hard to identify new tourism sites, and promote them to the world, and also advise the government on how we can actually promote them so that people can have other places to go. We identify, and then we make it a product and put it out to the world.” Alhaja Mustapha said.
Alhaja Bolaji Mustapha also pointed out that Nigeria’s tourism industry has vast potential for growth, with a diverse range of attractions and experiences to offer. From the scenic Idanre Hills to the cultural Owo Museum and the ancient Akure City Walls, Ondo State is a treasure trove of tourism assets. By promoting Destination Ondo and other Nigerian tourism sites, NATOP aims to: generate revenue for locals and the government through tourism activities, encourage exploration, inspire Nigerians to discover and appreciate their country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The NATOP president is of the view that the Association ‘s commitment to promoting domestic tourism, the industry is poised for a new era of growth and development and as the association works to unlock the country’s tourism potential, Nigerians can look forward to exploring their country’s diverse attractions and experiences.
The success of this initiative according to NATOP executives will not only contribute to the nation’s economic growth but also promote a sense of national pride and appreciation for Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
With NATOP’s initiative to promote Destination Ondo and Nigerian tourism it is believed that the association would be able to unlock the country’s tourism potential and make Nigerians look inward and exploe the country’s diverse attractions and experiences.
NATOP is of the view that with the right support and infrastructure, Nigeria’s tourism industry can become a major driver of economic growth and development, contributing to the nation’s prosperity and promoting a sense of national pride.