The President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA)Mrs. Susan Akporiaye has said the association is primed for its  48th annual general meeting billed for Lagos from the 23^rd to 27^th of this month. Akporiaye who said this during a press conference, also used the opportunity to count some of her achievements in the last four years, saying she had delivered on her promises to members of the association.

Akporiaye described her period at the helms of the association’s affairs as both a learning and challenging period. She said: “The COVID Pandemic was my most scary moment, with job losses and our members not sure of what else to do.

“Today, we stand to be counted because we pulled our strength and knowledge together. We survived because we believed in quality leadership and encouraged it.

“Though it is not uhuru yet, NANTA under my watch simply refused to live and survive by the books. We broke ceilings, trained our members, and opened doors of opportunities.

“Though our business was continuously threatened all round, we saw through the crucibles of challenges and redefined the operational manual of survival. And to God is the glory, the membership of NANTA grew in leaps and bounds because we saw ahead of tomorrow’s competition and prepared for it.”

The NANTA President said under her watch, the association that tried to improve the knowledge and capacity of young members through trainings and exposure both within and outside the country. She said: “We came up with the Africa to Africa Tourism initiative, stormed Johannesburg University with the support of South Africa Tourism, and left a message.  Twice, NANTA headlined Nigeria participation at the World Travel Market, London, at a huge sacrifice to which our members thronged out in their numbers to identify with.”

Speaking the 48^th AGM, Akporiaye said the theme was “Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potentials: Travel and Tourism as catalyst for intra Africa Business Investment and Trade”. Among the speaking for the AGM include: The Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Humphery Geiseb who will give the keynote. He will speak on “Destination Africa: Exploring Technology and Innovation Driven Tourism, A Call to Action for Professionals in Travel and Tourism.”

Other speakers include Nigeria’s Ministers of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, Minister of Tourism, and Mrs. Lola Ade John. Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, will speak on collaborative strategies for aviation stakeholders and professionals within SAATM Policy and Economic Framework, while

Mr. Ikechi Uko, founder of Akwaaba Travel Market, will speak on identifying business, trade, and investment prospects in emerging Africa travel and tourism markets.