The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), in partnership with Ghana’s Safari Valley Resort and supported by Ibom Air, is set to hold a four-day retreat in Ghana.
This is aimed at promoting intra-African tourism, strengthening regional cooperation and addressing xenophobia and other barriers limiting travel across the continent.
The retreat has the theme: “Africa for Africa: Tourism, Unity and Shared Growth,” and will bring together travel industry leaders, tourism stakeholders and policy advocates to explore practical ways of making travel within Africa easier while fostering stronger cultural and economic ties.
NANTA President, Yinka Folami, said the initiative reflects the long standing relationship between Nigeria and Ghana and their shared commitment to the ideals of Pan-Africanism, cooperation and regional integration.
“From the intellectual foundations laid by our leaders during the independence movements to decades of cultural exchange, trade and commerce, Nigeria and Ghana have repeatedly chosen partnership and collaboration over division,” Folami said.
According to him, the retreat goes beyond tourism promotion, describing it as “a historic handshake” that reinforces the idea of Africa as one interconnected community united by shared history, culture, enterprise and people rather than colonial-era borders.
Folami said the NANTA Executive Council will also use the gathering to map out the association’s future direction following its recent Golden Jubilee celebrations in Ibadan.
Discussions will focus on advocating easier movement of people across Africa, stronger tourism partnerships and policies that encourage Africans to explore the continent as a single tourism destination.
The NANTA President in a lighter note revealed that the Nigerian delegation would also participate in a friendly Jollof Rice contest with their Ghanaian hosts.
“I have informed our Ghanaian brothers and sisters at Safari Valley that our NANTA delegation has a very capable chef, and therefore they should prepare for a spirited and friendly Jollof Rice competition,” he joked.
The retreat is expected to reinforce Nigeria-Ghana tourism collaboration while advancing efforts to break down travel barriers, deepen cultural exchange and unlock new opportunities for sustainable tourism growth across Africa.