LAGOS-
The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) successfully concluded its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos recently with a resounding call for stronger collaboration, innovation, and sustainable destination development to unlock Nigeria’s vast tourism potential.
The five-day event, held from July 8 to 12, 2026, attracted an impressive turnout of tourism stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria, including government officials, tourism professionals, private sector operators, international partners, destination marketers, hospitality executives, travel agencies, airlines, development organisations, and members of the diplomatic community. The strong participation reflected the growing confidence in NATOP’s leadership and its strategic role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Delivering his keynote remarks during the AGM/Conference, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NATOP, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung described the AGM as more than a statutory gathering, saying it represented a strategic platform for redefining Nigeria’s tourism future.
Onung paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers and former presidents of the association for laying a solid foundation upon which NATOP continues to grow. He also commended the immediate past administration for sustaining the association and applauded the current National President, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, for what he described as unprecedented achievements recorded within a short period.
The BOT Chairman of NATOP, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung(2nd L) joining other dignitaries to cut the 10th anniversary cake at the recently held AGM in Lagos, Nigeria
Among the milestones highlighted were the successful rebranding of NATOP, the launch of a modern website, the unveiling of the innovative “Your Tourism Passport” handbook, the introduction of a Unified Identity Card Scheme for certified tour operators, and the historic commissioning of NATOP’s first-ever permanent National Secretariat in Lagos.
According to the BOT Chairman, the commissioning of the secretariat marked a defining moment in the association’s history, symbolising institutional growth, stability, and a renewed commitment to serving members more effectively.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable Destination Development,” Onung noted that while Africa continues to experience remarkable tourism growth, Nigeria is yet to fully harness its enormous tourism assets.
He observed that despite the country’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural attractions, diverse cuisine, festivals, and warm hospitality, Nigeria still contributes less than three percent to its Gross Domestic Product through tourism.
He stressed that the challenge facing Nigeria is not the absence of demand but the inability to present tourism as a coordinated national product. He urged tour operators to become stronger ambassadors of the country by delivering quality experiences, promoting professionalism, embracing sustainability, and working collectively to position Nigeria competitively on the global tourism map.
Onung further identified digital transformation, artificial intelligence, online booking systems, strategic partnerships, and policy advocacy as critical areas that must be embraced to drive the industry’s next phase of growth.
He also drew attention to the upcoming commissioning of the Arise Palm Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, describing the world-class tourism development as a major opportunity for tour operators to expand their destination offerings and attract both domestic and international visitors.
Throughout the AGM, participants engaged in robust discussions, networking sessions, business meetings, and strategic exchanges aimed at strengthening the capacity of Nigerian tour operators while exploring new partnerships across Africa and beyond.
The event concluded with renewed optimism and a shared commitment among stakeholders to work together in transforming Nigeria into one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations through innovation, collaboration, sustainable practices, and destination-focused development.
The successful hosting of the 2026 NATOP AGM reaffirmed the association’s position as the leading voice of Nigeria’s tour operating industry and underscored the collective determination of stakeholders to unlock the immense opportunities within the country’s tourism sector.
