Breaking: Bolaji Mustapha is the new President of NATOP.

Alhaja Bolaji Mustapha of Grand Express Tour (GET) Centre has emerged as the new President of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP). Mustapha was elected unopposed as President of the association during 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Ilorin, Kwara State. Until her election, she was the Deputy President of the association.

Other members of the new executives of NATOP include: Mrs.Geraldine Ito, Deputy President; Otunba Michael Balogun, General Secretary; Mrs. Joy Alexander-Oziegbe, Financial Secrretary; Ogugua Anobili, Treasurer; Odion Chigbufue, Public Relations Officer;  Anago Osho, Vice President, South West,  and Mark Moore, Vice President/FCT.

In her welcome speech before the election, ex-NATOP President Mrs.Ime Udo said the AGM provided a platform for members to deliberate on the pivotal role of tourism as a catalyst for progress, peace, and partnership. She said: “As a driver and stimulator of tourism development, NATOP utilizes this AGM to identify, explore, and promote destinations, while engaging policymakers in areas of synergy, collaboration, infrastructure development, and best practices within the tourism industry.

“Our approach has achieved tremendous success, stimulating awareness and growth in the states where we have held our AGM. We are excited that it also allows tour operators gain firsthand experience of these destinations, enabling them to curate tour packages to these places.

Tourism is a significant contributor to economic development, cultural exchange, and international understanding. It possesses the potential to unite nations and communities, foster global citizenship, and promote peace and prosperity.”

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) President and also Board of Trustees Chairman of NATOP, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, in his speech commended the tour operators for the progress made in promoting and marketing Nigeria as a destination despite harsh economic realities, saying the association would continue to work tirelessly to create an enabling environment for members to thrive.

 He called on members to remember the power of unity, collaboration, and innovation, and work together to promote sustainable tourism practices, enhance the quality of services they offer, and also showcase the beauty and diversity of Nigeria.

NATOP had a very successful AGM with top personalities from the tourism industry and government circle in attendance. Among the personalities that graced the occasion were the First Lady of Kwara State, Professor Olufolake Abdurazaq, Minister of Tourism Mrs. Lola Ade-John, Commissioner for Tourism Mrs. Bola Olukoju, representatives of the Emir of Ilorin, traditional rulers, and many other dignitaries.

The association, before the AGM, had said the essence of holding the AGM in the state was to market the tourism sites of the state to attract local and international tourists. The final activity for the 2024 AGM will be visits to tour sites in Kwara State.