Tinubu endorses Nigeria’s participation in 2026 World Travel Market London

President Bola Tinubu has endorsed Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 World Travel Market (WTM) in London as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to promote tourism as a driver of economic diversification, job creation and investment.

The endorsement followed a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan, to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

During the meeting, Awakan briefed Tinubu on the authority’s ongoing initiatives and plans to raise Nigeria’s profile in the global tourism market in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Nigeria’s participation in the international tourism exhibition is expected to provide a platform to showcase the country’s tourism assets, promote its destinations to international audiences, establish strategic partnerships and attract investment into the sector.

Discussions during the visit also focused on the proposed reactivation of the Presidential Council on Tourism and other measures to restructure the sector and strengthen its contribution to national development.

The council is expected to provide a platform for improved coordination among stakeholders and greater attention to tourism’s role in economic diversification.

READ ALSO; Breaking: Makinde reverses Mapo Hall rejection, clears venue for Tinubu’s rally

Tinubu also commended Awakan for initiatives introduced during his first year in office, particularly efforts involving collaboration, innovation and immersive storytelling to promote Nigeria’s tourism potential.

As part of the visit, the NTDA director-general presented the President with the authority’s Tourism Ambassador muffler in recognition of his contributions to tourism development.

Awakan also presented Tinubu with a publication titled Tourism as a Strategic Instrument for Economic Diversification and National Development.

The publication examines how tourism can support economic growth, generate employment, attract investment and contribute to national development, while advancing the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Nigeria’s participation at WTM London 2026 is part of broader efforts to position the country as a competitive destination in the international tourism market.

The exhibition is expected to offer opportunities for engagement with international tour operators, investors, travel professionals and destination marketers, potentially opening new channels for partnerships and business development.

However, the extent to which participation translates into increased tourist arrivals, investment and employment will depend on sustained promotion, effective coordination, infrastructure development and improvements in the wider visitor experience.

The NTDA’s push for stronger international visibility comes as the country seeks to expand non-oil sources of economic activity and unlock the commercial potential of its cultural heritage, natural attractions and tourism destinations.