Creative Industry

NTDA Targets Economic Prosperity with New Tourism and Hospitality Strategy

Published

7 months ago

March 31, 2026

By Cyril Ogar

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector to drive economic prosperity and boost foreign exchange earnings.

The Director-General of the Authority, Dr Ola Awakan, presented the roadmap on Tuesday in Abuja at the maiden National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum, marking a significant step toward repositioning the sector for global competitiveness and sustainable development.

Speaking on the theme “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together,” Awakan described the forum as a landmark initiative designed to strengthen collaboration, align stakeholder interests, and deliver practical solutions for industry growth.

Central to the strategy is the repositioning of tourism as a viable export sector capable of generating substantial foreign exchange. Awakan emphasised that achieving this vision would require targeted investment, improved infrastructure, and enhanced global visibility for Nigeria’s tourism offerings.

He outlined three critical pillars for development—attractions, hospitality, and transportation—stressing that their effective integration is essential to unlocking the country’s vast tourism potential.

Despite Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant creative industry, the NTDA boss noted that the sector has underperformed due to infrastructural deficits, weak institutional coordination, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks. However, he expressed confidence that ongoing reforms, supported by the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NTDA Act 2022, are laying a solid foundation for transformation.

As part of the strategy, the Authority is strengthening its role as a regulatory, developmental, and marketing body, with a focus on boosting tourism promotion, attracting investment, improving service standards, and enhancing institutional capacity.

Key initiatives include the digitalisation of the tourism ecosystem through interactive platforms, as well as the promotion of MICE tourism—Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions—to stimulate business travel and economic activity.

A major highlight of the unveiling was the introduction of the Naija Flavour Marketplace, a platform designed to connect stakeholders across the tourism value chain, empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and create employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women.

In a bold move to elevate Nigeria’s global tourism profile, the NTDA also proposed the development of an International Tourism City—an integrated destination combining culture, entertainment, hospitality, and commerce to attract both domestic and international tourists.

Awakan underscored the importance of strong public-private partnerships, noting ongoing collaboration with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria and sub-national governments to ensure coordinated development.

He further highlighted the need for strategic storytelling to reshape Nigeria’s global image and advocated for more visa-friendly policies to encourage travel, investment, and international engagement.

The forum concluded with a collective commitment to sustained collaboration and innovation, alongside plans to institutionalise the engagement as a periodic national tourism town hall.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that the strategy will significantly boost GDP growth, increase foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and strengthen national unity.

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Creative Industry

Emirates Holidays Unveils Thailand Pass with Up to 40% Savings

Published

1 week ago

October 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Emirates Holidays has introduced the Thailand Pass, offering travellers exclusive discounts and complimentary benefits across shopping, dining, leisure and tourist attractions in Thailand.

The initiative provides Emirates Holidays customers travelling to Thailand with savings of up to 40 per cent, with no minimum spending requirement, alongside special offers designed to enhance their holiday experience.

Under the programme, customers can redeem shopping and dining vouchers at 14 participating malls across Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Krabi and Chiang Mai. To access the benefits, travellers are required to present their vouchers and a copy of their passports at participating outlets to collect their Welcome Packages.

The Thailand Pass also includes complimentary shuttle services between centralwOrld and Central Village Bangkok, as well as free VIP lounge access at both locations.

Beyond shopping and dining, customers can enjoy Buy One, Get One Free offers on selected attractions and experiences across Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi. Participating brands include Playsquare Laser Tag, Playmondo, Swensen’s, Auntie Anne’s, Aquaria Phuket, OTO Playpark and Monowheel.

The package also offers an additional five per cent discount on Karmakamet wellness products.

The launch comes as Thailand continues to attract Emirates Holidays customers, with bookings increasing by 10 per cent year-on-year, according to the company.

The initiative further strengthens Emirates’ presence in the Southeast Asian destination. The airline recently deployed its Airbus A350 aircraft to Phuket and currently operates retrofitted Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft featuring Premium Economy cabins on services to Bangkok.

Emirates operates 49 weekly flights to Thailand, reflecting sustained demand for the destination and supporting the introduction of additional holiday benefits.

The Thailand Pass applies to eligible package bookings made until March 31, 2027. Customers can secure their holidays with a deposit and benefit from a flexible cancellation policy, providing additional time to arrange visas where necessary or make changes to their travel plans.

The offer is available to Emirates Holidays customers booking from selected markets, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom’s neighbouring European markets and other participating countries.

Further information, including eligibility requirements and terms and conditions, is available at Emirates Holidays Thailand.

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