The Western Zone of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has announced its 4th Annual Symposium, scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The symposium, which will take place at the Rotary Club of Ibadan House, Oyebode Crescent, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, will focus on the theme: “Africa for Africans: The Role of Policy Makers and Tour Operators Towards Sustainable Destination Management, Growth and Development.”
The zonal Public Relations Officer Adewale Dada in a statement said the event is designed to provide a strategic platform for policymakers, travel and tourism professionals, tour operators, academics and other stakeholders to examine policies, innovations and practical approaches capable of promoting sustainable destination management and tourism development.
The symposium is expected to draw participants from the six states covered by the NANTA Western Zone—Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara.
The keynote address will be delivered by Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo Babalola, Director, Africa Travel Commission (ATC) and Professor of Hotel Management and Tourism at Atiba University, Oyo State.
The guest speaker is Mr. Ernest Kwado Agyarko Gyekye, Board Chairman, SAFARI Valley ECO Resort, Ghana.
Other speakers and panellists include Hajiya (Mrs.) Bolaji Mustapha, National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) President; Dr. (Mrs.) Moji Davids, Group Managing Director, Heritage Farms and Resorts; and Dr. Kola Lawal, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Studies, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and Oyo State Tourism Development Corporation coordinator.
Speaking ahead of the symposium, the Vice President of NANTA Western Zone, Prince Olaleye Abiodun Ajibade, described the gathering as an opportunity for travel and tourism professionals to gain fresh insights and reposition their businesses for greater competitiveness.
Ajibade encouraged travel and tourism professionals to attend the symposium with key members of their staff, noting that the discussions would provide actionable knowledge aimed at improving service quality and strengthening business competitiveness.
He added that certificates of participation would be presented to participants at the conclusion of the programme.
The event, which is scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m. prompt, is expected to further stimulate discussions on how Africa’s tourism destinations can be effectively managed and promoted while creating sustainable opportunities for economic growth.
The NANTA Western Zone also called on members of the media and other industry stakeholders to participate in the symposium as part of efforts to accelerate tourism development in Nigeria and across the African continent.
