The Western Zone of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has called on its members to actively market Ghana’s Safari World as a premier African tourism destination following a retreat and familiarization tour aimed at strengthening intra-African tourism and expanding business opportunities.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued by the Western Zone Executive after participating in the NANTA Retreat and Familiarization Tour to Safari World, Ghana.
The delegation was led by the Western Zone Vice President, Prince Olaleye Abiodun Ajibade, alongside the Zonal Secretary, Mr. Olatundun Olumide, and the Zonal Public Relations Officer, Mr. Adewale Dada. They joined the National Executive Council, zonal executives and delegates from across Nigeria for the tourism promotion programme.
The retreat was led by NANTA National President, Dr. Yinka Folami, and attended by members of the National Executive Council, including the First and Second National Deputy Presidents, national officers, zonal vice presidents and other leaders of the association.
Representing the Western Zone at the national level were the Second National Deputy President, Dr. Tokunbo Dagunduro, and the National Public Relations Officer, Otunba Babatunde Adeshokan, both of whom participated actively throughout the programme.
The delegation also included media representatives, among them a correspondent from The Punch, NANTA’s media consultant and the President of the Tourism Writers Association of Nigeria (TWAN), underscoring the role of the media in promoting African tourism.
During the retreat, delegates toured Safari World’s three flagship destinations—Safari Homes, Aqua Safari and Safari Valley Eco Park—collectively promoted under the theme, “One World, Three Destinations, Over 20 Experiences.”
Speaking on behalf of the Western Zone Executive, Prince Ajibade reaffirmed the zone’s commitment, in collaboration with the national leadership, to promoting Safari World as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations.
He urged travel agencies to develop attractive travel packages for leisure travellers, honeymooners, families, schools, religious organisations, corporate retreats and holiday groups, noting that Safari World presents enormous opportunities for Nigerian travel professionals to grow their businesses while encouraging intra-African tourism.
Ajibade also praised the President of Safari World, Mr. S. Afari, describing him as a visionary whose innovation, determination and commitment transformed an ambitious dream into one of Africa’s most remarkable tourism destinations.
The communiqué further expressed appreciation to the Board Chairman of Safari Valley Resort, Ernest Kwadwo Agyarko Gyekye Esq., for his exceptional hospitality and personal commitment throughout the visit.
According to the Western Zone Executive, Gyekye played a key role in facilitating the Ghana tour, personally welcoming the delegation at Safari Homes, accompanying members during the Aqua Safari water cruise, guiding them through Safari Valley Eco Park and remaining with the team until their departure for the airport.
The association said his leadership and generosity reflected the true spirit of African hospitality and expressed optimism about strengthening the partnership between NANTA and Safari World to advance tourism across the continent.
The Western Zone also commended Dr. Folami and the National Executive Council for organising the retreat, describing it as a strategic initiative that enhanced members’ destination knowledge, strengthened professional collaboration, promoted intra-African travel and created new business opportunities.
It urged all members to leverage Safari World’s attractions by developing innovative travel packages that would deepen tourism and economic cooperation between Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries, while reaffirming its commitment to initiatives that promote tourism development and sustainable business growth for members.
