Nigeria’s tourism promotion strategy is set for a shift as the Director-General of the National Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr Olayiwola Awakan, has begun consultations with industry stakeholders aimed at repositioning the country in international tourism markets.
Dr Awakan met with key players across the tourism value chain to review how Nigeria presents itself globally, stressing the need for a more deliberate and experience-driven approach. According to him, only destinations that are fully prepared to receive visitors and can deliver authentic, memorable experiences should be promoted abroad. He said the move is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism credibility, improve visitor satisfaction and ensure that international marketing aligns with on-ground realities.
The team talked about building more activities around our tourism sites and highlighted the goal of selecting at least four strong destinations and festivals to showcase globally in 2026.
To move the work forward, three sub committees were set up. They will identify the top sellable sites, choose the international markets to focus on and work on funding plans. Their findings will guide NTDA’s briefings with the Honourable Minister and other key agencies.
The DG described the meeting as an important moment for the sector and shared that a national campaign for a tourism slogan and anthem will begin next year.
Together, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria are taking steps to put Nigeria on the global tourism map in a fresh and intentional way.
