NANTA Unveils Innovative Hashtag Campaign for World Travel Market 2024, Aiming to Boost Nigeria’s Tourism Presence

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has confirmed its strategic participation as an exhibitor at the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM) scheduled for November 5th to 7th in London. To maximize its marketing reach, NANTA has launched an innovative digital campaign centered around a creative hashtag, signaling its massive membership presence at the global tourism event.

The electronic flyer, designed by NANTA’s Public Relations Officer Mrs. Adeola Adewole, features a vibrant WTM logo alongside the hashtag “#IWillBeAtWTM.” The flyer is intended to encourage members of NANTA who have registered and confirmed their participation to amplify their personal and organizational branding ahead of the event.

This initiative highlights the leadership’s commitment to utilizing digital technology to expand marketing communication. NANTA aims to drive robust online engagement by rolling out additional weekly hashtags, targeting global tourism platforms and corporate entities interested in Nigeria’s cultural tourism market. The strategy will ensure NANTA’s pavilion at the WTM is highly visible, making it easier for trade inquiries and information about Nigerian tourism products to be accessed.

On NANTA’s WTM delegates platform, nearly 100 members with confirmed visas and hotel bookings have already embraced the hashtag, sharing their agency identities and photos across social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram. By tagging their vast local and international networks, these members are increasing NANTA’s presence, which has drawn the attention of Reed Exhibitions, the organizers of WTM.

Reed Exhibitions has praised NANTA’s efforts, urging individuals, trade groups, and exhibiting nations to invite friends and colleagues to join the cultural tourism showcase. The 2024 event, which will be held at Excel London, is expected to feature exhibitors from over 100 countries, making it one of the biggest global tourism trade events.

Yinka Folami, NANTA’s president, reaffirmed the association’s unwavering commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural tourism on the global stage:

“Our dedication to Nigeria’s cultural tourism is beyond question. We are driven by a selfless determination to put Nigeria first. There have been questions about our patriotic efforts, but we believe that before we can be taken seriously globally, we must first support our country and its people.”

Folami recalled how previous NANTA icons were invited by foreign airlines to WTM, fully sponsored, to learn how to leverage the opportunities at the event. He emphasized the importance of NANTA taking the lead in revitalizing Nigeria’s cultural tourism presence abroad:

“Those were the days when our principals were more Nigeria-centric, but things have changed. Now, we must take the initiative to revive and sustain Nigeria’s presence in global tourism.”

Susan Akporiaye, NANTA’s immediate past president, who spearheaded the association’s WTM mission during her tenure, expressed her excitement about this year’s participation:

“This is a revolution, and we are thrilled by the massive interest and support from our members. NANTA has made huge sacrifices and shown absolute patriotism and pride in our culture and creative economy. We are not in competition with our country; rather, we are showing the way forward when times are tough.”

Pastor (Mrs.) Chinyere Umeasiegbu, NANTA’s First National Deputy President and coordinator of the association’s participation, disclosed that the number of members attending WTM could reach 200 if pending visa applications are approved.

“Marketing Nigeria’s destination at WTM this year is a game of numbers, and we are determined to lead from the front. This is not a recreational outing—it is serious business to showcase Nigeria’s potential and attract global interest. We have even mobilized the Nigerian community in the UK to support our pavilion.”

NANTA’s involvement in WTM reflects a strategic approach to positioning Nigeria as a preferred global tourism destination, leveraging both digital innovation and community engagement to make a significant impact at the event.