The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, the official tourism organisation for Nigeria, has joined the United States Tour Operators Association as an associate member.
This membership makes Nigeria the first and only west African country to be accepted into USTOA.
Nigeria Tourismâs acceptance into USTOA comes as no surprise, as its goals match up aptly with those of USTOA.
As stated in the USTOA 2013 annual directory, associate membership invitations are âextended to responsible industry and governmental entities and organisations whose interests and purposes are compatible with those of USTOA, which is to encourage and support professional and financial integrity in tourism and in the future of the travel industryâ.
This membership is the first step in Nigeria Tourismâs overall marketing strategy, which aims to work with US tour operators to educate them about the destination and to assist them in developing itineraries and tours to Nigeria.
With spectacular nature, unique wildlife, world-class golf courses, and a multitude of leisure activities and accommodations options, Nigeria is primed to welcome tourists from the US and around the world.
The most populous West African coastal nation, Nigeria also offers a vast cultural heritage from one of the primary sources of the African Diaspora.
Visitors to the country can immerse themselves in the destinationâs culture and history, and African Americans may be able to trace their heritage to Nigeria.
The theme âNigeria: Our History is Your Historyâ is a part of the integrated marketing campaign that Nigeria Tourism has launched this year and which it will continue into 2013 throughout the US.
âWe are excited to join USTOA and for the opportunity to be acquainted with so many reputable tour operators throughout the US,â said Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, director general, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation.
âWe look forward to welcoming tour operators, travel agents and U.S. tourists to Nigeria, where we can share with them our unique culture and legacy, along with our natural attractions and enticing activities.â
Beyond Nigeriaâs vibrant natural environment of mountain ranges, rainforests, rich savannah plains, and hundreds of lakes, rivers and waterfalls, there are also many rapidly growing cities to be explored, where old blends with new.
Nigeria is also convenient to reach from the US, with major airlines including Delta, United, and Nigeriaâs own Arik Air flying directly from the US to Nigeria several times a week, with more non-stop flights to Nigeria than anywhere else in west Africa and the shortest flight-time from hubs in New York (JFK), Houston (IAH) and Atlanta (ATL).
