CITIZENS COMPASS— The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), has concluded a five-day familiarisation visit to Ghana.
The visit, which ended with an Executive Dinner on July21, at Safari Valley Eco Resort, brought together key tourism stakeholders from both countries with a shared vision of advancing intra-African travel.
A major highlight of the retreat was the engagement between NANTA leadership and Ghanaian tourism players to get first-hand knowledge of Ghana’s tourism products, while fostering stronger travel packages and partnerships for Nigerian travellers.
Ghana calls for closer ties
Ghana’s Deputy Tourism Minister seized the opportunity to call for closer ties between Nigeria and Ghana, stressing the need to leverage the strong socio-cultural and historical relationship between both countries to drive tourism growth.
The call aligns with Ghana’s broader tourism strategy that recognises Nigeria as a strategic market. Officials of the Ghana Tourism Authority have previously noted the importance of the Nigerian market to Ghana’s tourism industry.
Stakeholders at the retreat also echoed calls to “drop the borders” in Africa to allow travel businesses to flourish.
Safari World hosts NANTA
Hosting the delegation in Dawu was Safari Valley World, founded by forest scientist and conservationist Samuel Afari. The resort used the visit to unveil its deep desire to bridge and communicate a new West African tourism brand to Nigeria’s most powerful travel trade body.
Speaking on behalf of the resort, Samuel Afari said Safari World was excited to meet its Nigerian colleagues.
“We at Safari World are very excited to meet our Nigerian colleagues from NANTA. Throughout our discussions with the organisation, especially with the President, Dr Yinka, it has been encouraging to see that ‘Africa for Africa’ has remained a shared agenda for both parties,” Afari stated.
He added: “We now have the opportunity to translate that vision into action while further strengthening the longstanding brotherly relationship between our two nations. We look forward to welcoming them and showcasing true Ghanaian hospitality and leisure, the Safari World way”.
Samuel Afari, speaking passionately during the Tuesday night engagement in Dawu, highlighted the transformative power Nigerians bring to changing the business environment. He expressed excitement at hosting NANTA to his dream investment in nature and maritime tourism sectors — areas usually foreclosed and neglected.
NANTA President, Yinka Folami PHD, who led the delegation, noted that going forward, he would encourage countries to host its conference for a minimum of 2 years consecutively to deepen partnerships.
The partnership is expected to unlock new travel packages for Nigerians to Ghana, focusing on nature, coastal and community-based tourism. Private sector players on both sides are driving the initiative as governments continue to advocate for an enabling environment for culture and tourism.
Safari Valley’s push comes at a time when stakeholders are advocating for easier visa processes and stronger collaboration to grow the West African tourism economy.
