Friday, July 4, 2025
The first-ever TravConExpo, set to take place in Lagos in September 2025, is drawing significant attention as three of Nigeria’s leading tourism bodies— the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN)—have officially endorsed the event. The Travelpreneur Conference, as it is known, is expected to offer groundbreaking opportunities for networking, innovation, and growth within Nigeria’s tourism and travel sectors.
The endorsement is a major milestone for the event, underscoring its importance as a platform designed to bring together travel entrepreneurs, agencies, and industry leaders. With the theme “Innovating the Future of Travel: Empowering Entrepreneurs in a New Era,” TravConExpo promises to address the growing need for innovation and sustainable development in the travel industry, particularly within Nigeria’s burgeoning tourism sector.
A New Era for Nigeria’s Travel Entrepreneurs
The announcement of TravConExpo’s endorsement was met with enthusiasm from all sides. Mr. Abdullahi Shettima, Director-General of ITPN, emphasized the significance of the event by stating, “We have reviewed the details of TravConExpo 2025, including its theme and its focus on fostering B2B and G2B opportunities within Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector. We recognize the potential of this event to serve as a valuable platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among travel entrepreneurs, agencies, and enthusiasts.”
The event will feature various panels and discussions aimed at encouraging partnerships, both within the travel industry and with governmental bodies, ultimately improving the landscape of tourism in Nigeria. As the Nigerian travel sector grows, this kind of engagement is critical to shaping a more innovative and sustainable future.
Building Stronger Partnerships for the Future of Travel
The collaboration between the key stakeholders in Nigeria’s travel industry represents a significant step toward a more cohesive and productive sector. Mr. Yinka Folami, President of NANTA, praised the event’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, stating, “We see TravConExpo as a thoughtful initiative aimed at enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as fostering meaningful engagement within the travel and tourism space. The emphasis on empowering industry players and building B2B2C connections aligns well with the values we support at NANTA.”
Folami also highlighted the importance of the event in providing practical knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders. “This event promotes practical knowledge sharing, collaboration among stakeholders, and support for emerging travel entrepreneurs, which represents the forward-looking engagement our industry needs,” he said.
The event’s potential to support emerging travelpreneurs is of great significance for the long-term health of Nigeria’s travel sector. With such support from key bodies like NANTA, this gathering could be the catalyst for a new generation of travel entrepreneurs.
FTAN’s Commitment to Sustainable Growth and Capacity Building
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), through its President Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, expressed full support for TravConExpo, highlighting its alignment with FTAN’s goals of promoting capacity development, digitalization, and inclusive growth within the tourism value chain. “FTAN recognizes the important role of TravConExpo in building Nigeria’s travel and tourism industry through entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic industry partnerships. The theme ‘Innovating the Future of Travel’ aligns with FTAN’s passion for capacity development, digitalization, and inclusive growth in the tourism industry’s value chain,” Onung said.
FTAN’s commitment to helping Nigeria’s tourism industry develop and grow through innovation and capacity-building aligns well with the vision of TravConExpo. As the country looks to foster more dynamic and inclusive tourism offerings, this event promises to lay the groundwork for future advancements in the sector.
A Shared Vision for Nigeria’s Tourism Future
Dr. Oludayo Taiwo Gideon, the convener of the event and Group Chief Executive Officer of Aeroport Group, expressed his gratitude for the backing received from these key tourism bodies. Reflecting on the significance of the endorsements, he said: “We appreciate the kind gesture from these organizations and are optimistic that we are not only creating a platform to revolutionize the travel and tourism space but also establishing a lasting legacy that will sustain trends in the global travel chain. This initiative aims to open a new chapter for Nigerian travelpreneurs and to build a generation of skills and a sustainable value chain mechanism for Nigeria’s economy and travel sector.”
Dr. Taiwo’s vision for the event is clear: to provide a meaningful platform for knowledge sharing and partnerships that will drive sustainable growth in the Nigerian travel and tourism industry. By bringing together key players from across the sector, TravConExpo will foster dialogue that could lead to tangible outcomes for Nigerian entrepreneurs and the travel industry as a whole.
Impact on Travelers and the Nigerian Tourism Industry
TravConExpo 2025 is set to have a lasting impact on Nigerian travelers, both locally and internationally. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, the event will not only benefit tourism professionals but also improve the overall travel experience for tourists. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or a local exploring new opportunities, the event’s focus on entrepreneurship and capacity building is set to enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a leading travel destination.
As the travel and tourism sector in Nigeria continues to evolve, this new initiative signals a bright future for the industry, offering new possibilities for business owners and travelers alike. The event could help attract more tourists to the region, boost the local economy, and create more jobs within the sector.
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