NANTA AFRICA TOURISM CONFERENCE: EXPRESSIONS AND IMPRESSIONS

By Frank Meke

It was an unprecedented show of strength and resilience on what could be described as a strong positively disruptive tourism and travel business learning curve.  From Johannesburg to Durban, Nigeria biggest travel trade body, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) led by bold, beautiful, and brilliant Susan Akporiaye, registered a timeless presence, first through a refresher travel and tourism training programme at the prestigious University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, strategic to a peep into the changing future dynamics of global tourism markets. This was followed by a road trip to the coastal city of Durban, home to influential Africa Travel Indaba. The return road trips were remarkable turning points in the practical training exposure, a social mobilization vehicle, and for once, making a tourist out of famed travel planners and service professionals.  Who are they, and what did they say about this historical and unforgettable outing, supported by South Africa Tourism?With love and gratitude to Almighty Allah I want to say thank you to the NANTA team under the leadership of Madam Susan.  The Conference was on point and Indaba was top notch. The combination of the two was just Awesome.                                     We hope to have more of this in other African countries. Can’t wait to be part of it. 

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Oh, South Africa! My fifth time here, but let me tell you, every visit is like opening a box of chocolates – you never know what you’ll get.This time around, I stayed at Hotel Sky, and it made me feel like a 23-year-old again (minus the wild partying, of course). The International Travel Conference in Johannesburg and the Africa Travel Market Indaba in Durban were the whipped cream and cherries on top of my travel sundae, introducing me to Africa’s diverse cultures and stunning landscapes.But let’s talk about the road trip from Jozi to Durban – it was a wild ride that left me feeling like I’d just been on a roller coaster. Who needs Six Flags when you have African highways, right? And I had some fantastic company along the way, connecting with fellow travel enthusiasts and industry experts who share my passion for exploration.

there were a few hiccups here and there, but Susan, the president of NANTA, went above and beyond to ensure my trip was nothing short of extraordinary. She’s like the Mary Poppins of travel agents, always ready with a magical solution to any problem.Who knows where my next adventure with NANTA will take me? Maybe I’ll finally see that elusive unicorn or discover a tribe of friendly yetis. One thing’s for sure – with NANTA, anything is possible!Will like for you to use this picture. It represents one of the greatest memories of this trip that cannot be taken away.  So thankful for the opportunity to experience what I have wanted and read about.   NANTA under the leadership of Madam Susan has proven beyond doubt an association to identify with and learn from.  

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Since Covid the wealth of knowledge and people I know cannot be quantified.  The partnership is getting stronger and this is just the beginning.  #WE MOVENANTA, South Africa Conference 2023 is the deal, just like President Susan always wanted to see the Nigeria Travel Agencies be more professional, I think this a good step in the right direction in repositioning NANTA to a greater height and I will advise more of this to continue. It is indeed worth attending.

 

There is something different about my 18th time in South Africa. I met and mingled with various minds like me and was under the leadership of the NANTA Executives. Their leadership was superb. It was fun-filled.

Going to South Africa under NANTA was worth the investment for me. I got back friends, business partners, clients, and had fun.My NANTA/TOUGHA experience was an unforgettable one!Never did I imagine despite all area arrays of issues that crept in at different stages. I thought well, look back, and smile from ear to ear visualizing the exciting moments during our stay in Joburg at the beautiful and warm hospitality of Hotelsky handpicked by Madam President, into the road trip which I almost missed because of my anger at the disappointment of the visa issues, but I was convinced by Pst Chi, my new found friends (Sureline & Pat), Mohammed of SAT and the final push from Madam President who made it happen. The road trip from Joburg to Durban was more than I imagined with lots of stories to tell. Our arrival at Durban almost made us forget the fun experience with the selection of hotels that were reserved for us.

It is a mixed feelings for everyone. But thanks to our president and her crew (Pst Chi and Mrs. Uloma), they went the extra mile, ensuring that we got comfortable. I must commend Madam Susan for her passion and selflessness she has truly proven to us that the crown fits and that, again, women can do justice and deliver on leadership roles. To NANTA Exco, members, newfound friends mentioned and not mentioned, looking forward to our next destination.As NANTA we have been challenged to take our narrative of Africa2Africa connectivity in the African Space to the African Union, and that we intend to do as we continue on this journey that we have begun in South Africa.          

This’ll great initiative as birthed by this great Association as led by its indefatigable woman president will continue to grow, strive and get bigger in the years to come if Christ Tarries.                        This Time is for Africa!!!                                                     Dear (Madam President) I sincerely want to thank you for Organizing the NANTA Conference 2023 and ITTC Johannesburg and the committee members that work  together with you.Being my first time visit to South Africa AFRICA TRAVEL INDABA 2023 in Durban was a great experience for me.I would also like to appreciate the joint conference between NANTA and TOUGHA, it was a good and great idea. The event was fantastic successful infact I am missing all my new friends, we ate, we go out, we shop, we gist, we attend INDABA, discuss business ideas all together.Thanks for the event coordination Madam President @Susan Akporiaye, crowd management, and logistical support especially for the Johannesburg to Durban road trip was fantastic.The joint event really created an avenue for meeting and making new friends, business oriented colleagues in the travel industry and I am seriously looking forward to a long-term business relationship within ourselves since we’re all into the hospitality business.

Everything was perfect from the Airport pickup to the hotel, the Conference, the dinner party, the road trip to Durban, the tours, the INDABA Travel Market, We found everything to our satisfaction, indoors and outdoors. You took good care of us. I salute you Madam President and your team, great work, good memories that will lingers forever in our heart. It must not ends here, we need to do more of it again and again, got everybody what they needed. I also want to appreciate every NANTA member that attended the events, I appreciate the cooperation among members, you really show your highest level of professionalism which makes it easier for the President and her team. May God crown all our efforts in Jesus Name.SkyFirm Travels Ltd expresses gratitude to NANTA, fellow travel agents, and the entire team for an exceptional experience at the just-concluded conference and INDABA. We specifically acknowledge the NANTA President @Susan Akporiaye, for her outstanding leadership qualities, which include her strong team, hard work, zeal, listening skills, courage, confidence, and self-commitment. We @Skyfirm Travels Ltd recommends that other travel agents join NANTA to benefit from its commitment to excellence.

I cannot forget to mention the most invisible man yet very visible in all his work @ Frank Meke. Thank you for the great memories. Overall, the event was a great opportunity for travel agents to come together, learn from one another, and build a strong sense of community.Thank you all, it was indeed a very great experience.My NANTA Conference/ Indaba Experience!I was glad we pushed through to attend the maiden Edition of NANTA/TOUGHA Conference amidst all the challenges. It was a wonderful leisure for me! I most commend the exceptional leadership of Mrs Susan, Pst Chichi, Mrs Uloma etc! I see these team moving higher from NANTA to the bigger Nigerian platform to make a difference… The Indaba Travel Show 2023 was a great opportunity to network with DMCs and travel suppliers from Southern and Eastern Africa!(Ebelechukwu Okpana -MVP Travels)Dear Mrs. Susan Akporiaye,I am writing this letter to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for your exceptional leadership as the President of NANTA (National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies). Your unwavering dedication and selflessness have left an indelible mark on all of us, and I am particularly grateful for your remarkable efforts in ensuring the success of the recent NANTA Tourism Conference held in Johannesburg.Despite the challenges that arose, you went above and beyond to ensure that everything and everyone involved in the conference was taken care of. Your tireless commitment to resolving issues and your ability to navigate through obstacles with grace and professionalism are truly admirable. It is because of your exemplary leadership that the conference was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on all participants.I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation for your mentorship and kind consideration towards our agency, Sehembz Travels. Your guidance and support have been invaluable to us, and we are immensely grateful for the opportunities you have provided. Your wisdom and expertise have shaped our growth and success, and I cannot thank you enough for your generous mentorship.As I returned from the trip yesterday, I am overwhelmed with gratitude towards you. The experience was truly remarkable, and it is all thanks to your unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership. Your dedication to ensuring that the indaba went smoothly and successfully is a testament to your outstanding leadership qualities and your passion for advancing the travel industry.Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, your exemplary and selfless leadership has set a remarkable standard for all of us. Your unwavering dedication to NANTA and the travel industry as a whole is truly inspiring. On behalf of Sehembz Travels and myself, I extend my sincerest appreciation for your exceptional contributions and your kind consideration.  

 

Thank you, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, for your outstanding leadership and for making a positive difference in the travel industry. Your mentorship and guidance have been invaluable to us, and we are grateful to have had the privilege to work under your leadership. May you continue to inspire and lead with the same passion and dedication in all your future endeavors.With heartfelt gratitude and utmost respect,Open Letter to NANTA President Africa Travel INDABA was an amazing event. This year’s edition unlimited people captures mostly how great Africa is and is becoming and to me the memories will forever remain warm. Everyone was thrilled by the warmness, beauty and hospitality of Africa.

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As I look around my industry, I realise how much I appreciate you all.Many of us have relied on each other to make it through. NANTA is a place of love and peace with No room for hate.   I joined this association with little expectation, but am getting maximum satisfaction, and this only happen when you have great leaders who effortlessly bring their self down to every one’s standard and created an amazing tour experience for us all.To our able president, Susan Akporiaye I say a great thank you to all our vice presidents and the Excos your team work need to be studied.My experience at the ITTC and INDABA was great. I learnt a lot, and I will be adding to the bucket list .To our media group, you guys are wonderful. Thank you all        

 

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All I want to say is that good leadership is not rocket science. NANTA under the leadership of Mrs Susan Akporiaye case study. A leadership that believes in the progress of each member under it’s umbrella. You are indeed an Amazon. Thank you for organizing the ITTC, which eventually led to my attending INDABA. Thank you for being yourself when we put you under pressure due to Visa brouhaha. I am reiterating my unflinching support for your leadership. NANTA is going higher.

This tour for me is an eye opener to a lot of uncalculated opportunities, I’m glad we are part of the entire event and for me, it’s a memorable one! Hope to be there again.  

Many Thanks to NANTA for the opportunity to attend this worthy conference, I am positive our travel business issues will be resolved accordingly.