The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) as part of efforts to advance the implementation of tourism policies in West Africa has commenced a seven-day retreat and familiarisation tour in Ghana.

The association is also seeking to expand the marketing of Nigerian travel brands across the sub-region.

The retreat and familiarisation tour in Ghana is hosted by Safari World.

Speaking during a reception for the Nigerian delegation in Accra, NANTA President, Yinka Folami, said the visit was a strategic move aimed at translating tourism policies into tangible initiatives that would stimulate regional travel and trade.

According to him, the association’s leadership was in Ghana to advance the implementation of tourism policies while expanding NANTA’s marketing advocacy for Nigerian travel brands beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Folami stressed that closer collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana was essential to unlocking the vast tourism potential within the West African sub-region.

“This mission is not a leisure trip. It is a deliberate step to implement and expand our association’s marketing advocacy for Nigerian brands across borders.

“Nigeria and Ghana share history, culture, trade and people. The future of our tourism cannot be built in silos,” he said.

Folami explained that the retreat would provide a platform for industry leaders from both countries to develop practical strategies capable of boosting tourism, investment and travel between Accra and Lagos.

The NANTA President also commended the level of private sector investment in Ghana’s tourism industry, particularly the Safari Valley Resort, describing it as a model that should be replicated across Africa.

He noted that the partnership between NANTA and tourism stakeholders in Ghana should extend beyond the current visit.

Folami added that promoting tourism within Africa would also encourage reverse tourism to Nigeria while strengthening cultural integration, economic ties and reciprocal travel opportunities across the continent.

Earlier, Chairman of Safari World Group, Ernest Gyekye, welcomed the Nigerian delegation, expressing optimism that the visit would further strengthen tourism cooperation between Ghana and Nigeria.

He said the retreat would showcase Ghana’s expanding tourism offerings while creating new business opportunities for travel operators in both countries.

During the week-long programme, the NANTA executives are expected to hold business-to-business meetings with Ghanaian tourism operators, visit key tourism destinations under the Safari World brand and participate in cultural exchange activities designed to enhance business cooperation.