The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, Mr Nkereuwem Onung has stated that the body is determined to embrace Technology and Digital Innovation to build smarter ahead of 2026 and beyond.
In his opening remarks on the Occasion of the 2026 Annual General Meeting in Ikeja Lagos, with the theme: Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable Destination Development, Mr. Onung said the WTTC projects that social commerce transaction value is projected to nearly double from US$2.04bn in 2025 to US$3.96bn by 2030.
He noted that tour operators without frictionless online booking channels risk becoming invisible to the fastest-growing segment of consumer spending.
In his words: “We must embrace digital innovation, technology and AI – the next wave of revenue will depend on how easily Nigerians discover, book and pay for travel services”.
In the area of strengthening partnerships, Onung emphasised that NATOP has formalised strategic alliances, including with the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, to integrate arts and heritage into Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
He noted that: “We will continue to collaborate with airlines, embassies, creatives and the diaspora community to package Nigeria as a safe, exciting and authentic destination”.
Onung stated further that NATOP will encourage responsible tourism that protects its natural and cultural heritage while delivering economic benefits to local communities.
NATOP BoT Chairman noted that the body must continue to engage policymakers to create a conducive environment for tour operators to thrive.
He pointed out that the
AGM is more than a statutory meeting as it is a strategic platform to shape the future of tourism in Nigeria.
Onung commended its past Presidents – the founding fathers and successive leaders who laid the foundation of NATOP, adding that
their vision, sacrifice, and dedication have brought NATOP to this historic moment.
He also appreciated the immediate past administration for their stewardship and for keeping the association on course during their tenure.
Onung lauded the current President, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, and her administration for the remarkable progress recorded over the past year.
He maintained that: “Under her leadership, we have witnessed unprecedented progress and peace within the association – a feat that cannot be overstated.
This administration has achieved what many thought impossible. We have rebranded NATOP, giving the association a fresh and modern identity that reflects our ambition and professionalism. We have commissioned a new standard website that positions our members and the association on the global stage. The launch of the passport booklet is another milestone that strengthens our identity and provides value to our members.
“In our collective effort to curb quackery and sanitise the tour operations industry, this administration has introduced a Unified Identity Card Scheme for genuine tour operators – a critical tool in restoring confidence in our sector.”
While also commending Mustapha on the official opening of its National Secretariat in Lagos – Onung said that the office is not merely a physical structure, but a symbol of its institutional maturity, resolve to build a lasting legacy, and commitment to serve their members more effectively.
He disclosed that in September as announced by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the world-class Arise Palm Resort will be commissioned.
He explained that the 70-hectare luxury tourism and hospitality hub, located in Uyo, is a remarkable transformation of a reclaimed gully erosion site into a masterpiece of modern tourism infrastructure.
The resort features an artificial lake with floating bars, a 9-hole golf course, a 1,500-capacity banquet hall, luxury villas, and world-class sports complexes.
For us as tour operators, this presents another significant opportunity – a new destination to package, promote, and integrate into our tour offerings. I encourage every member to visit, explore, and position your businesses to benefit from this landmark development, Onung stated.
NATOP BoT Chairman observed that the global tourism sector is experiencing remarkable resurgence in the first nine months of 2025, as international arrivals exceeded 1.1 billion, surpassing 2019 levels with a 5% growth rate.
He observed that Africa led the growth chart with a 10% increase, followed by Asia-Pacific at 8% while
Nigeria was notably absent from the list of African countries that contributed to this massive growth.
According to him, this is a sobering reality that must inform our deliberations and actions.
Onung maintained that the potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector is immense but largely untapped as the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), projected tourism to contribute N11.2 trillion (US$7.5 billion) to Nigeria’s GDP in 2025, up from N10.9 trillion in 2024 while Domestic tourism expenditure alone was expected to reach N6.1 trillion.
He stated further that despite these projections, tourism contributes less than 3 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, significantly lower than peer destinations.
