14/07/2026
Edo State Tourism Agency Partners NANTA on Boosting Tourism Dev
The Edo State Tourism Agency has stated its preparedness to partner the Eastern Zone of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) on promoting inbound tourism, strengthening destination marketing, and positioning Edo State as one of Nigeria's leading tourism destinations.
The Director General (DG) of the Agency, Lady Vivian Elabor, made this known while receiving a delegation of NANTA, which paid a courtesy visit to the Agency's office on Sapele Road in Benin City.
Lady Elabor while commending NANTA's commitment to promoting Edo State as a preferred tourism destination, acknowledged the critical role of travel professionals in connecting destinations with visitors through effective marketing and tour packaging.
She noted that tourism development extends beyond the provision of attractive destinations, stressing that strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders are essential for packaging and promoting tourism products to both domestic and international markets. She appreciated the Association for its confidence in the Agency's vision, noting that the proposed collaboration aligns with the Agency's mandate to develop a sustainable and globally competitive tourism industry through strategic partnerships.
The DG reaffirmed the Agency's readiness to collaborate with NANTA on key areas, including destination marketing, tourism product development, capacity building, stakeholders' engagement, and promotion of Edo State's diverse tourism offerings. According to her, the partnership will facilitate the development of attractive tourism packages capable of attracting more visitors to Edo State, stimulating economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the State's tourism value chain.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Eastern Zone Vice Chairman of the NANTA, Engr. Ayoola Olatunji, commended the Edo State Government and the Tourism Agency for their efforts in repositioning the State's Tourism Sector. He stated that the Association was impressed by the progress being recorded under the administration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo, adding that Edo State is steadily reclaiming its position as Nigeria's cultural heartbeat and an emerging premier tourism destination.
Engr. Olatunji described Edo State as a destination richly endowed with cultural heritage, historical monuments, festivals, arts, and other tourism assets capable of attracting both local and international visitors. He proposed the establishment of a joint working desk between NANTA and the Edo State Tourism Agency to coordinate collaborative activities. Other areas of proposed partnership included capacity-building programmes for tour operators, stakeholders’ engagement initiatives, destination marketing campaigns, and enhanced promotion of Edo State's festivals and tourism events.
He reaffirmed NANTA's commitment to working closely with the Agency to drive inbound tourism, strengthen destination promotion, and increase Edo State's visibility in national and international tourism markets.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism that the partnership would accelerate the growth of the Tourism Sector, attract greater investment, and further position Edo State as a preferred destination for culture, heritage, leisure, and business tourism.
Eghosa Emily
PRO
Edo State Tourism Agency
Photo Caption
L-R Vice President,NANTA Eastern Zone,Engr.Ayoola Olatunji and the DG Edo State Tourism Agency,Lady Vivian Elabor
