NANTA Wins Top African Travel Association Honour at London’s African Tourism Awards
The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has achieved a major milestone on the global stage, securing the title of Best African Travel Association at the prestigious African Tourism Awards held in London. This accolade is a testament to NANTA’s unwavering resilience, innovative strategies, and its leading role in promoting both intra-African travel and Nigeria’s rich cultural tourism, particularly during the influential World Travel Market (WTM) London events over the past three years.
Presented on November 2 at the Hilton Hotel in Canary Wharf, the award ceremony took place on the eve of the official opening of WTM London 2025, one of the world’s foremost gatherings for travel industry professionals. NANTA’s recognition comes at a time when the spotlight is increasingly on African destinations and operators, highlighting the continent’s potential to influence global travel trends and foster sustainable growth within its borders.
In attendance to receive the award on behalf of NANTA President Mr. Yinka Folami were former president Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, Mrs. Lola Adewole, and Mr. Johnson Ugochukwu—each an influential figure within Nigeria’s travel landscape. Their presence underscored NANTA’s continuity of leadership and commitment to representing the interests of Nigerian stakeholders on international platforms.
Mr. Folami expressed his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the award serves as a powerful motivation to further deepen tourism growth in Nigeria and across the African continent. He extended special appreciation to Nigerians in the diaspora, acknowledging their vital support in projecting Nigeria’s tourism image and in driving demand for authentic African experiences abroad.
The African Tourism Awards, produced by Mr. Efetobo Awhana, are specifically designed to shine a spotlight on the continent’s top destinations, organizations, and tourism professionals. According to Awhana, the core aim is to encourage travel “to Africa, by Africans, and for Africans,” a philosophy that aligns perfectly with NANTA’s advocacy for stronger intra-African connections and a more unified tourism sector.
NANTA’s win is particularly significant for African travel sector professionals. It illustrates the growing influence of associations that not only represent their members’ interests but also actively lobby for better policies, foster industry collaboration, and elevate Africa’s standing at high-profile international forums. The association’s achievements at WTM London—one of the most important annual travel trade events—demonstrate how African organizations can leverage global platforms to showcase their destinations, build strategic partnerships, and attract both intra-continental and international investment.
This recognition also highlights the increasing focus on intra-African tourism as a driver of resilience, economic growth, and cultural exchange. Over the last three years, NANTA has been instrumental in championing routes, products, and experiences that encourage Africans to explore the continent’s diversity—from the bustling cities of West Africa to the wildlife-rich savannahs, historic sites, and vibrant coastal destinations. Such efforts are vital to reducing dependency on long-haul markets, especially in a post-pandemic context where regional travel is emerging as a key recovery lever.
The award further underscores the strategic importance of nurturing local talent, celebrating African heritage, and creating travel experiences that resonate with both residents and the diaspora. Under NANTA’s leadership, Nigeria’s cultural tourism has moved to the forefront, blending traditional hospitality, culinary richness, music, and art with modern travel infrastructure. This approach not only appeals to international visitors but also strengthens national identity and pride among Nigerians at home and abroad.
For travel professionals across sub-Saharan Africa, NANTA’s achievement is a reminder of the value of active engagement in industry associations and of the benefits such bodies bring. Associations like NANTA play a pivotal role in advocating for member interests, organizing training and capacity-building initiatives, and providing a unified voice on matters ranging from aviation policy to digital innovation and destination marketing.
Looking ahead, the momentum from this award positions NANTA to accelerate its efforts in forging partnerships across Africa and the diaspora. With the travel sector poised for transformation—driven by digitalization, changing traveler preferences, and renewed interest in authentic, locally curated experiences—NANTA’s success is likely to inspire similar organizations to redouble their efforts in branding, advocacy, and service delivery.
NANTA’s recognition as Best African Travel Association is more than a trophy; it is a call to action for Africa’s travel sector to continue building bridges, fostering innovation, and ensuring that the continent’s tourism story is told “by Africans, for Africans.” As Nigeria and its neighbors chart a course for the future, such accolades provide a beacon for industry excellence and collaboration, inspiring the next wave of African tourism leaders and innovators.
