Retreat Focuses on Intra-African Tourism

Concerned about the impact of xenophobic conversations and trade barriers across Africa, the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, NANTA, will embark on a four-day retreat to renew commitment to intra-African tourism.

The association is collaborating with Ghana-based Safari Valley Resort on the retreat, which is supported by Ibom Air. It will be guided by the theme, "Africa for Africa: Tourism, Unity and Shared Growth."

Addressing Barriers to Travel and Cultural Exchange

NANTA described the retreat as a pan-African engagement intended to rekindle hope and drive conversations on solutions to Afrophobia and barriers affecting cultural tourism and travel opportunities within Africa.

NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, said Nigeria and Ghana share historical dreams of African unity, liberation and pan-African cooperation. He said this informed the association's move to recalibrate and rekindle hope for a strong and united Africa.

From the intellectual foundations laid by our leaders during the independence movements to decades of cultural tourism exchange, trade and commerce, Nigeria and Ghana have repeatedly chosen partnership and collaboration over division,

— Yinka Folami, President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies

Folami said the visit goes beyond cultural tourism and represents a renewed commitment to ties between African countries.

It is a historic handshake. A reaffirmation that Africa is not merely a collection of countries separated by colonial borders, but one community connected by history, culture, trade, enterprise and people,

— Yinka Folami, President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies

NANTA Agenda and Tourism Partnerships

The NANTA Executive Council will also use the retreat to deliberate on the future of the association, which recently marked its Jubilee celebration in Ibadan.

Key on the agenda is NANTA's commitment to advocate easier movement of persons across Africa. The association also plans to build stronger tourism partnerships and policies that encourage Africans to view other African countries not as foreign territory, but as home.

Folami said he had informed the Ghanaian hosts at Safari Valley that the NANTA delegation includes a capable chef and should prepare for a friendly Jollof Rice competition.

I have informed our Ghanaian brothers and sisters at Safari Valley that our NANTA delegation has a very capable chef, and therefore they should prepare for a spirited and friendly Jollof Rice competition.

— Yinka Folami, President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies

Stakeholders Expected at Ghana Engagement

The retreat is expected to bring together travel trade leaders, tourism stakeholders and policy advocates from Nigeria and Ghana.

Participants are expected to chart a path for seamless travel and cultural exchange within Africa, as NANTA advances discussions on tourism unity and shared growth across the continent.