Intra-African Tourism: In a significant move towards fostering continental growth, the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has been applauded for its initiative to invigorate intra-African travel and commerce. This initiative is inspired by the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which seeks to unify and stimulate the African economy.
The commendation came from the Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Haruna Manta, during a dinner he hosted in Johannesburg for NANTA members. The delegation, led by NANTA President Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, was in South Africa to attend the inaugural International Travel and Tourism Conference (ITTC). This event was a collaborative effort between NANTA, the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), and South Africa Tourism, which served as the host.
The two-day ITTC, held at South Africa University Johannesburg, aimed to inform attendees about emerging trends in the travel industry, promote unity among continental travel operators, and endorse intra-Africa travel and commerce. The conference saw a mix of academia from the university and industry professionals leading sessions, highlighting the multifaceted approach towards enhancing African tourism.
Ambassador Manta praised NANTA’s proactive approach towards a joint African tourism venture, stating that such collaborations are integral in tackling tourism trade matters in Nigeria and across Africa. He emphasized that the drive to stimulate intra-African tourism reflects the aspirations of many Africans and underlined the importance of partnerships in building a united and prosperous continent.
The High Commissioner also acknowledged the recent challenges in obtaining visas for Nigeria but assured that the issue is being addressed. The planned deployment of additional Nigerian immigration personnel to South Africa is expected to alleviate the visa application pressure.
He stated, “These issues were discussed when our President and that of South Africa met recently. The goal is to navigate these challenges with diplomatic understanding. We receive a high volume of visa requests here at the commission, and we are confident that the situation will be resolved soon.”
The endorsement of NANTA’s initiative by such a high-ranking official reflects the importance of promoting intra-African travel and business. This commendation underscores the potential of these efforts to reinforce economic ties among African nations, contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the continent.
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