Enhancing Nigeria’s Tourism Ecosystem: The Role of Non-Tourism Organizations in Driving Growth

As Nigeria seeks to unlock its immense tourism potential, non-tourism organizations are increasingly stepping up to support the industry. From MTN’s See Naija Initiative to innovative efforts by banks such as Sterling Bank’s dedicated Tourism Business Unit. These partnerships underscore the power of cross-sector collaboration in redefining Nigeria’s narrative as a global tourism destination.

NTT Global Destinations, led by CEO Elizabeth Agboola, commends these initiatives and calls for broader participation from telecommunications companies, financial institutions, insurance providers, and other sectors. Integrating tourism-focused services into their operational models will not only benefit businesses but also accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a premier tourism destination.

As a testament to this vision, NTT Global Destinations partnered with Sterling Bank to deliver a groundbreaking Tourism Business Training Program on April 19, 2024. This training, hosted in collaboration with the Sterling Bank Academy, equipped the bank’s staff with essential insights into tourism sector dynamics.

Imagine opening your banking app to find curated travel packages or discovering destination deals while topping up airtime on a telecommunications portal. These innovative touchpoints can spark curiosity and encourage Nigerians and international tourists alike to explore the nation’s rich and diverse tourism offerings.

“By generating more user-driven content about Nigeria through the businesses promoting packages and the travelers purchasing them, we can flood the digital space with positive narratives about our nation,” said Elizabeth Agboola.

“This shift will attract international tourists, boost foreign exchange earnings, and create opportunities for investments in critical areas like water sports, adventure tourism, and infrastructure development.”
It also provides avenues for Government agencies like Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) and other entities that seek to drive investments in specific sectors to actively engage.

Key areas for collaboration include:

• Telecommunications:Offering tourism packages and promotions through portals and mobile apps.
• Banks: Providing travel-related financial services, like savings plans for tourism, accessible through banking apps.
• Insurance Firms: Creating integrated travel insurance products and partnering with tourism operators to provide seamless coverage.

“Tourism requires a collective effort. The more hands on deck, the quicker we can realize Nigeria’s potential as a tourism destination,” Agboola emphasized.

NTT Global Destinations positions itself as the go-to partner for Tourism Business Training tailored to non-tourism enterprises. Its expertise spans trade, tourism, and creative industries, with a focus on helping organizations integrate tourism into their operations.

By empowering organizations to embed tourism into their business models, NTT Global Destinations is enabling Nigeria’s broader economic growth and global positioning as a top tourism destination.

Together, we can redefine Nigeria’s tourism narrative and actualize its vast potential.