By Frank Meke
Destination Nigeria is being strategically defined by the National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP), the organized private sector umbrella body for registered tour operators in the country.
From Ekiti to Kwara, and now extending its focus to Ondo State, NATOP—under the dynamic leadership of its President, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha—is spearheading a new wave of cultural tourism promotion through its “State-to-State Travel Nigeria” initiative.
With renewed energy and vision, Mrs. Mustapha and her executive team, including the association’s Secretary, Otunba Michael Balogun, and Mrs. Joy Oziegbe, recently visited Ondo State. They were warmly received by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who pledged his administration’s support for hosting NATOP’s upcoming annual conference and aligning with the association’s domestic tourism development agenda.
There is no doubt that the NATOP-Ondo tourism initiative will boost trade and increase tourist visits to the state, which is famed for its scenic hilly landscapes, rich historical sites, and status as Nigeria’s agro-food basket.
Situated along the corridor of the multi-trillion naira coastal road infrastructure, Ondo State also boasts one of Nigeria’s most organized maritime tourism sectors, including a thriving fishing port and a century-old coastal community that thrives on maritime resources.
NATOP’s upcoming non-elective meeting, scheduled for July, will serve as a major platform to spotlight investment opportunities in the state. According to Mrs. Mustapha—who shared her vision with members of the Association of Tourism Journalists of Nigeria during a recent media chat in Lagos—the theme, “Travel Ondo and Do Business”, will put to test Governor Aiyedatiwa’s policies on ease of doing business in the state.
“We’re creating a forum not just for our members specializing in niche tourism markets—such as agri-tourism, ecological lodges, and fishing expeditions—but also for collaborative engagements with the state government,” Mustapha said. “The goal is to unveil tax incentives and other attractive investment packages. This July meeting is not only about showcasing Ondo’s iconic landscapes but also about presenting the state as an investment haven.”
Mrs. Mustapha is also breaking new ground in Ilorin, Kwara State, where she is pioneering a tourism calendar built around the Durbar festival. The festival is expected to draw cultural tourists this weekend, followed by a post-Sallah tour of the ancient city and its surroundings, offering visitors a deep dive into Kwara’s rich cultural heritage.
Through its Travel Nigeria Initiative, NATOP is refocusing national attention on the diversity of Nigeria’s cultural tourism assets. By leveraging the country’s demographic strengths, the initiative aims to create jobs, revitalize rural economies, and align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for a new and prosperous tourism-driven Nigeria.