The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Western Zone, has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Oyo State Government to promote tourism, destination marketing and investment in the state.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Executive Council of the association to the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Wasiu Ajani Olatubosun, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ibadan.
The delegation, led by the Vice President of NANTA Western Zone, Prince Olaleye Abiodun Ajibade, was received by the Commissioner alongside the Permanent Secretary, directors, tourism officials and other senior management staff of the ministry.
Speaking during the visit, Prince Ajibade commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for its sustained investment in the culture and tourism sector and praised the ministry’s open-door policy and cordial relationship with stakeholders.
He noted that effective communication and collaboration between government and industry operators remain essential to unlocking the full potential of tourism in Oyo State. He also reaffirmed NANTA Western Zone’s readiness to support initiatives that will enhance destination marketing, tourism promotion and investment across the state.
Responding, Commissioner Olatubosun reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s commitment to working closely with NANTA and other stakeholders to advance tourism development.
He stressed that tourism can only thrive in an environment characterised by security, quality infrastructure, professionalism and strong collaboration between government and private sector operators.
The commissioner assured the delegation that the ministry would continue to provide an enabling environment for genuine travel professionals and tourism investors while intensifying efforts to sanitise the travel and tourism industry by discouraging fraudulent operators.
According to him, sustained partnership between government and industry players is essential for effective destination marketing, improved service delivery and positioning Oyo State as one of Nigeria’s leading tourism destinations.
Olatubosun also congratulated the leadership of NANTA Western Zone on its achievements and pledged the ministry’s continued support for programmes that promote tourism, cultural heritage, investment and sustainable economic development.
Members of the delegation commended the ministry for the transformation witnessed in Oyo State’s culture and tourism sector, particularly through festivals, tourism promotion initiatives and other programmes that have enhanced the state’s profile nationally and internationally.
They reaffirmed NANTA Western Zone’s readiness to partner with the ministry in tourism promotion, destination marketing, capacity building, investment attraction and other strategic initiatives aimed at growing the tourism economy.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing commitment to deepening collaboration to strengthen tourism development, preserve cultural heritage and enhance the economic prosperity of Oyo State through sustainable tourism.
