The Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) marked this year’s World Tourism Day with a vibrant celebration at Tarkwa Bay Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos State. The event drew members of NATOP from across Lagos, alongside royal highnesses, dignitaries, tourism stakeholders, and officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, including directors and staff.
In line with the celebration, the Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning the State’s beaches as hubs of sustainable tourism and investment. The State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, led delegates and stakeholders on a pre-event visit to Tarkwa Bay Beach, which was chosen as the official venue for this year’s World Tourism Day activities.
Speaking during the pre-visit, Benson-Awoyinka described Lagos as a coastal treasure blessed with 183 kilometres of beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean, stretching all the way to the Badagry creeks. She noted that these remain largely untapped treasures capable of competing with some of the world’s most renowned tourist hotspots.
“We are determined to transform them into world-class destinations that not only attract tourists but also empower our people,” she declared. The Commissioner emphasized the State Government’s plans to upgrade beach infrastructure, strengthen security, and expand ferry transportation for improved accessibility to Tarkwa Bay and other waterfront destinations.
The President of NATOP, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, commended the Lagos State Government for its proactive interventions in beach tourism development. She described the government’s interest in upgrading Tarkwa Bay as a strategic step toward positioning the beach as a prime destination for both domestic and international tourists. Mustapha further highlighted that infrastructural development, improved transportation, and targeted youth training are critical to achieving the goals of sustainable beach tourism.
The organizer of the AKWAABA African Travel Market, Mr. Ikechi Uko, also graced the event and expressed his satisfaction with the choice of Tarkwa Bay for the World Tourism Day celebration. He noted that the move aligns with NATOP’s vision of using conferences, events, and annual general meetings to spotlight and promote Nigeria’s diverse tourism destinations.
Under the leadership of Bolaji Mustapha, NATOP has injected fresh energy into Nigeria’s tourism space, particularly in the area of professional tour guiding. With determination and tact, she has helped unify a once fragmented sector, weaving Nigeria’s cultural and heritage assets into a coherent narrative.
From Ilorin to Akure and now Lagos, Bolaji Mustapha has consistently advocated for cultural tourism by challenging ignorance and fear while promoting community collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. Staying true to this vision, NATOP chose to commemorate World Tourism Day not with lengthy speeches, but through action leading a practical field trip to Tarkwa Bay, one of Lagos’ most beautiful coastal communities.
The 2025 celebration not only highlighted the global theme of sustainable tourism but also showcased Lagos State’s renewed determination, NATOP’s leadership, and the power of collaboration in unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria’s coastal treasures.
