Global Spotlight: NANTA shines at African Tourism Awards in London
Recognition underscores Nigeria’s leadership in promoting African tourism
By Maureen Aguta
The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has been named the Best African Travel Association at the 2025 African Tourism Awards held in London, United Kingdom—an accolade that cements Nigeria’s growing influence in continental travel and tourism.
The ceremony, which took place on Sunday, November 2, at the Hilton Hotel, Canary Wharf, served as a curtain-raiser for this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) London, one of the world’s largest tourism gatherings.
According to the organisers, NANTA was selected as the inaugural recipient of the award for its “resilience, strategic initiatives, and unwavering commitment to sustainable intra-African travel and tourism trade.” The association was also lauded for its consistent representation of Nigeria’s tourism and cultural heritage at WTM London over the past three years.
Receiving the award on behalf of the association were former NANTA president, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye; National Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Lola Adewole; and National Internal Auditor, Mr. Johnson Ugochukwu, who represented current president, Mr. Yinka Folami.
In his reaction, Mr. Folami described the recognition as a powerful validation of NANTA’s vision and commitment to advancing the travel industry in Nigeria and across Africa.
“I felt deeply elated that our work is being appreciated—not just by the organisers, but by many Nigerians in the diaspora who always identify with us at the World Travel Market,” he said.
“Though we could not officially participate this year, hoping that government would take over coordination of Nigeria’s presence, it’s heartwarming that NANTA members remain visibly active in London. I sincerely appreciate Mrs. Akporiaye, Mrs. Adewole, and Mr. Ugochukwu for representing us.”
The Executive Producer of the African Tourism Awards, Mr. Efetobo Awhana, said the recognition was conceived to spotlight excellence and reshape Africa’s tourism narrative.
“Africa offers some of the richest and most diverse cultural tourism experiences in the world,” Awhana noted. “This initiative celebrates the continent’s most reliable operators, best hotels, and exceptional destinations, while encouraging travel to Africa—by Africans and for Africans, including those in the diaspora.”
The recognition marks another milestone for NANTA, which has continued to champion professionalism in the Nigerian travel trade and foster deeper collaboration among African tourism stakeholders.