Cotonou: The Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and tourism stakeholders in the Republic of Benin have strengthened cross-border collaboration in a renewed effort to promote intra-African travel and reduce dependence on overseas vacation destinations. The move, marked by an ongoing two-day tour by some members of NATOP to Benin, highlighted the association's renewed commitment to cross-border partnerships, particularly between Nigeria and other West African countries.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the tour is organised by NATOP and Consortium Tourism by Millions of Benin (CTMB) in collaboration with Azalai Hotel and Benin Royal Hotel. The President of NATOP, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, stated in Cotonou that the tour aims to develop tour packages targeted at African travellers ahead of the upcoming summer holiday season. Mustapha, who is also the Founder of Grand Express Tour Centre, added that the tour would help Nigerian tour operators meet their Beninese counterparts to explore packaging strategies and deepen their understanding of local tourism destinations.
President of Consortium Tourism by Millions of Benin (CTMB), Dine Bouraima, expressed that the collaboration would benefit and boost both nations' tourism industries. Bouraima, also the Founder of Benin Royal Hotel, noted that visa restrictions by some nations, particularly the USA, have deterred many tourists from traveling and discouraged them from seeking destinations outside of Africa. He emphasized the importance of the relationship between Nigeria and Benin and assured tour operators of his commitment to promoting Africa.
Dr. Olanma Ojukwu, Co-founder of God's Own Travel Agency, remarked that the tour was long overdue. She highlighted that West African tour operators had long desired such a platform to connect and market their destinations at international trade and travel shows as a single product. The tour included visits to Amazon Square and Family Beach, with plans to explore the Venice of Africa, a town where everything is done on water.