By Joan Odafe

The Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and tourism stakeholders in the Republic of Benin have strengthened cross-border collaboration in a renewed effort to promote intra-African travel and reduce dependence on overseas vacation destinations.

The move, marked by an ongoing two-day tour by some members of NATOP to Benin, highlighted the association’s renewed commitment to cross-border partnerships, particularly between Nigeria and other West African countries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tour is organised by NATOP and Consortium Tourism by Millions of Benin (CTMB) in collaboration with Azalai Hotel
and Benin Royal Hotel.

The President of NATOP, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, on Saturday in Cotonou said the tour was aimed at developing tour packages targeted at African travellers ahead of the upcoming summer holiday season.

Mustapha, who is also the Founder of Grand Express Tour Centre, added that the tour would help the Nigerian tour operators meet their Beninese counterparts so they could all explore packaging strategies and deepen their understanding of local tourism destinations.

“The essence of farm trips is to know well about the products you want to sell, not just selling on the phone.

“You need to experience what you want to give to others,” she said.

Also, President of Consortium Tourism by Millions of Benin (CTMB), Dine Bouraima, said the collaboration would be beneficial, and boost both nations’ tourism industry.

Bouraima, who is also the Founder of Benin Royal Hotel, noted that the visa restrictions by some nations, particularly the USA had deterred many tourists from travelling.

He discouraged tourists from seeking destinations outside of Africa.

“Benin needs Nigeria. We need Nigeria and we want to work together.

“And if this relationship is good for Nigeria and good for Benin, why take your money outside.

“Benin is safe. Very safe. It is clean,” he said.

Bouraima assured the tour operators of his commitment to ensuring that Nigeria and Benin promote Africa.

Dr Olanma Ojukwu, Co-founder of God’s Own Travel Agency (GOTA), said the tour was long-overdue, adding that West African tour operators had craved for such a platform to know themselves.

According to the travel and tourism consultant who has been running the business for about 16 years, the platform will help the tour operators market their destinations at international trade and travel shows, as a single product.

“When you travel abroad, you see the East Africans selling in their pavilion; you have one single visa and then you’re able to visit several countries.

“You have also this in the European world,” she said.

NAN reports that the tour operators visited the Amazon Square, Family Beach among others.

The group is also expected to visit the Venice of Africa, a town where everything is done on water. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran