The Nigerian Association of Tour Operators and tourism stakeholders in the Republic of Benin have strengthened cross border collaboration in a renewed drive to boost intra African travel and reduce reliance on overseas vacation destinations.
This development comes as members of the association embark on a two day tour of Benin. The visit underscores NATOP’s commitment to fostering stronger partnerships between Nigeria and other West African countries.
The tour is organised by NATOP and Consortium Tourism by Millions of Benin in collaboration with Azalai Hotel and Benin Royal Hotel.
Speaking in Cotonou on Saturday, the President of NATOP Mrs Bolaji Mustapha said the initiative aims to develop tour packages tailored for African travellers ahead of the summer holiday season.
Mustapha who is also the founder of Grand Express Tour Centre explained that the visit would create an opportunity for Nigerian tour operators to meet their Beninese counterparts to explore packaging strategies and deepen their knowledge of local tourism attractions.
“The essence of farm trips is to know well about the products you want to sell, not just selling on the phone. You need to experience what you want to give to others,” she said.
President of Consortium Tourism by Millions of Benin Dine Bouraima described the collaboration as a boost for both nations’ tourism sectors. Bouraima who is also the founder of Benin Royal Hotel pointed out that visa restrictions by some nations especially the United States had discouraged many tourists from travelling and urged Africans to focus more on destinations within the continent.
“Benin needs Nigeria. We need Nigeria and we want to work together. And if this relationship is good for Nigeria and good for Benin why take your money outside. Benin is safe. Very safe. It is clean,” he said.
Bouraima pledged support for efforts aimed at positioning Nigeria and Benin as leading promoters of African tourism.
Co founder of God’s Own Travel Agency Dr Olanma Ojukwu described the initiative as long overdue noting that West African tour operators had long desired such a platform to network and collaborate.
According to Ojukwu who has been in the travel business for 16 years, the collaboration would enable operators to market their destinations collectively at international trade and travel shows.
“When you travel abroad you see the East Africans selling in their pavilion. You have one single visa and then you are able to visit several countries. You have also this in the European world,” she said.
During the tour, participants visited Amazon Square and Family Beach and are expected to explore the Venice of Africa a unique town where all activities take place on water.
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