NATOP, Lagos further commitments at boosting tourism, destination marketing

…Tour operators to open secretariat at 10th AGM

As part of ongoing efforts at boosting tourism development, especially at the domestic front, Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) is strengthening collaboration with the Lagos State Government.

The collaboration, which has seen the two partner in some initiatives such as the celebration of World Tourism Day last year, cleaning of beaches, participation and promotion of Nigeria tourism potential at World Travel Market in London and in Dubai, also include destination marketing within the country, and other community-based tourism initiatives.

Riding on the successful collaborations, NATOP is engaging Lagos State, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

The AGM, which was scheduled to hold in Enugu, will now take place in Lagos on the theme “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable Destination Development”, and will also witness, among other highlights, the opening of NATOP Secretariat on July 8, 2026, in Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

Explaining the change of the host state, during a media parley at Provida Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, recently, Bolaji Mustapha, president, NATOP, noted that it was due to the support and collaborations from Lagos State, which she praised for consistent support for the tourism sector.

According to her, NATOP traditionally rotates its AGM across states in the country that have strong tourism potential, but decided to return to Lagos this year in recognition of the state’s commitment to supporting tourism stakeholders and promoting Nigeria on the global stage, while also describing the partnership as a model for public-private collaboration in destination marketing.

Mustapha noted that Lagos State is reaping from its partnership with the association during last year’s World Tourism Day activities, which included a tour of Takwa Bay Beach, where NATOP and Lagos State met local tourism operators, heard their challenges and sorted out some in their capacity as emergency intervention initiatives.

The locals are testifying to the intervention, considering the improvement in their services, amid welcoming more visitors at Tarkwa Bay.

Also, Mustapha did not fail to acknowledge Lagos State’s role in helping Nigeria to regain visibility at major international tourism events after years of limited participation, especially at tthe World Travel Market in London last year, and in Dubai. According to her, Lagos is among the state governments that are supporting Nigeria’s participation and tourism promotion events across the world now.

“Lagos State has consistently demonstrated its commitment to promoting Nigeria as a tourism destination to the world both at home and on the global stage,” the NATOP president said.

One of the highlights of the 10th AGM, according to Mustapha, is the opening of NATOP’s first-ever national secretariat on July 8, 2026 at Opebi, Lagos. Beyond being an official physical address for the association, the facility, according to her, will also be a resource and content creation hub for members, space for meetings, networking, photography, video production, and tourism promotion activities.

Also speaking at the event, Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, permanent secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and representative of Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, said that the partnership with NATOP and other related private sector tourism bodies is aimed at unlocking the sector’s economic potential in the state.

The partnership, according to her, is also in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s development agenda, which sees tourism and entertainment as key pillars.

“Lagos State appreciates the efforts of tour operators in promoting our culture, heritage, cuisine, people and destinations. By showcasing what Nigeria has to offer, NATOP is creating opportunities for economic growth,” she said.

Meanwhile, NATOP’s 10th AGM will witness the gathering of tour operators, travel professionals, investors, hospitality businesses, government agencies and development partners from across Nigeria.

The AGM is also expected to feature other excitement from networking, advocacy, paper presentations, talks and to tours.