The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, NANTA, has said that over 17 million Nigerian travelled out of the country between 2023 and 2024. This was as NANTA announced that the Association would be organising a maiden edition of Eastern Travel Market 2025 at Akwa Ibom State. The event is to bringing together over 1,000 travel professionals to discuss the future of the industry in the nation and give visibility to airlines, hospitality firms, hospitals and institutions in the Eastern Zone. The Eastern Travel Market is expected to be a major platform for industry stakeholders to discuss the future of the sector and explore opportunities for growth. Speaking, while addressing the media men in Port Harcourt, Vice Chairman of NANTA, Eastern Zone, Ehiogie Hope, stated that the 17 million number marks a significant increase in overseas travels and tour.
“Nigerian travel industry has seen significant growth, with 17 million people traveling out of the country in 2023. Hope noted that the potential of tourism and travels would generate over $12 million into the nation’s economy by 2026, adding that it would be a major spike in the sector as 2024 recorded about $4 million. The potential of tourism and travels in that it can generate about $12 million into the nation’s economy by 2026. Last year it was $4 million. “In the area of travels, over 17 million Nigerians traveled two years ago out of the country for different purposes. This included,health, religious purposes, visit, education and others.
“We are not creating an enabling environment for business to thrive. We need to support the industry and provide the necessary infrastructure for growth.” Hope highlighted the creative ability of Nigerians as a major strength in the industry, stating the nation has a lot of potentials in tourism. He also stressed the importance of tourism in the country, noting that the government is now showing interest in the sector. He said NANTA has been working to support the industry, with initiatives such as training schools and platforms for airlines and hotels to sell their products. “We now have about four to five training schools in the region within two years first set of students have graduated. We are helping airlines sell tickets and hotels sell their rooms.” However, Stephen Isokariari of Dial Travels, former Chairman, Board of Trustees of NANTA, called for more support for the industry. We need to work together to grow the industry and contribute to the nation’s GDP. With the right support and infrastructure, the Nigerian travel industry has the potential to make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy,” Isokariari said
17m Nigerians traveled abroad in 2023 – NANTA
