By Joan Odafe
The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has reported a significant
increase in activity during the festive period, attributing the surge to heightened
demand from diaspora visitors seeking to reconnect with their roots.
The National President of NATOP, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, said this on Thursday in
Lagos.
Mustapha pointed to airport pickups, heightened demand for tours, city
experiences and cultural trips as clear indicators of increased tour activity during
the festive season, adding that the season also helped push Nigerian destinations
into the global spotlight through increased visibility, particularly on social media.
Mustapha, however said the peak season also exposed deep structural gaps that
continued to limit the tourism sector’s full potential, noting that operators were
stretched by logistics challenges and rising operational costs, driven by flights,
accommodation, short notice bookings and last-minute changes, especially from
diaspora guests.
According to Mustapha, these challenges were not minor inconveniences but
structural issues that made it difficult for operators to deliver consistent, world-
class experiences, even when demand is high.
Looking ahead, in 2026, she said the tour operators were determined to build
smarter, rather than difficulty in tackling the challenges.
She said the operators would leverage technology, collaborate with airlines,
embassies, creatives and the diaspora community to package Nigeria as a safe,
exciting and authentic destination, adding that the association planned to tell
Nigeria’s story properly by transforming festive-season visitors into repeat
travellers through curated, year-round tourism packages.
“Tour operators plan to curate world-class cultural, heritage, food and festival
experiences and promote the country through international travel fairs, digital
platforms and travel influencers,” she said.
Mustapha said the association also planned to achieve their goals by strengthening
partnerships with hotels, transport providers and event organisers and operators
would improve planning through early bookings and structured itineraries.
