The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) has unveiled a repositioning strategy to counter negative narratives, restore global confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s travel and tourism industry.
NANTA President, Mr Yinka Folami, disclosed this on Monday in Lagos at a media conference on the association’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
According to reports, the AGM will hold from April 14 to April 18, in Ibadan, marking the association’s 50th golden jubilee.
Folami said the AGM would extend beyond ceremonies to tackle industry challenges and redefine travel professionals’ role in national development.
He described members as global ambassadors committed to projecting a positive Nigerian story, anchored on responsibility, professionalism and global engagement.
“We are here because the vision of some of our leaders was selfless 50 years ago. NANTA is 50 and that vision has remained selfless,” he said.
Folami said the theme, ‘Embracing Our Diverse Cultural Heritage From the City of Firsts,’ reflected efforts to reposition the association amid emerging industry concerns.
He cited harsh international headlines, rising visa restrictions and declining global trust as key issues affecting the travel trade and Nigeria’s image abroad.
“The headlines about Nigeria are harsh, and we are all contributing.
“What story do you want me to tell? I will tell a good story, and NANTA will always tell a good story,” he said.
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Folami said visa restrictions remain diplomatic but stressed collective responsibility in correcting perceptions and promoting Nigeria’s values through travel engagements.
He said NANTA would leverage its platform and partnerships to counter narratives, turn travellers into positive influencers and rebuild confidence in the tourism market.
“We are stepping forward as unofficial diplomats of Nigeria.
“We will use our platform to correct narratives and restore confidence. It is a national project and we need your support,” he said.
Folami listed challenges facing travel businesses, including dollar ticket sales, airline debit memos, cross-border ticket trading and anti-competitive practices.
He said cross-border ticket trading, once nearly 50 per cent of the market, had declined significantly through sustained advocacy and collaboration.
Folami said NANTA had enhanced training through its institute to ensure accountability, digital competence and global best practice among members.
“The best way to protect our members is to raise standards, enforce discipline and ensure professionalism is not optional,” he said.
According to him, the association is reviewing its constitution to strengthen compliance, describing the AGM as a platform to drive action.
Folami said NANTA at 50 was focused on addressing current challenges and building a stronger future through partnerships with government and global stakeholders.
The Second National President, Dr Dagunduro Olatokunbo, said the association was taking a firm stand against fraud and illegal operators.
Olatokunbo urged the public and media to distinguish between professional agents and quacks.
“The fraudsters are not us. We dissociate completely from illegality and misconduct in the sector,” he said.
He urged journalists to avoid generalising crimes as travel agency operations, noting accurate reporting would protect practitioners’ integrity and Nigeria’s global reputation.
NAN