The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to reposition Nigeria’s tourism sector, including plans for a “Naija Flavour Marketplace” and the development of an international Tourism City.

Director-General Ola Awakan announced the initiatives in Abuja during the maiden National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum themed “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together.”

Awakan emphasized that Nigeria’s tourism potential, anchored on attractions, hospitality, and transportation, has remained underutilized due to weak coordination, infrastructure gaps, and limited global visibility, adding that the authority is now strengthening policy frameworks, boosting investment, and improving global promotion under the NTDA Act 2022.

A major highlight of the roadmap is the proposed Naija Flavour Marketplace, a hybrid digital and physical platform designed to connect stakeholders across the tourism value chain and empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

The initiative is expected to improve market access, reduce fragmentation, and create employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women.

The NTDA also plans to accelerate tourism digitalization, develop interactive destination platforms, promote Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, and introduce nationwide standardisation and accreditation for hospitality operators to align Nigeria’s tourism services with global standards.

Awakan further announced plans for an international Tourism City, envisioned as a one-stop destination integrating culture, entertainment, hospitality, and commerce to attract both domestic and international visitors.

The project will be developed in collaboration with stakeholders including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, state governments, and private investors.

The NTDA also plans to strengthen international marketing efforts, improve visa accessibility, and establish the stakeholders’ forum as a recurring national platform aimed at driving reforms, boosting investment, and increasing tourism’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP and job creation.