NATOP, Lagos to Showcase Nigeria’s Cultural Tourism at Africa Market Place in Dubai

The Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has announced plans to showcase Nigeria’s diverse cultural tourism attractions at the Africa Market Place, a global tourism and trade exhibition scheduled to hold in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 15, 2025.
In collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, NATOP will curate a dynamic presentation featuring Nigeria’s music, fashion, destinations, and cultural heritage, aimed at positioning the country as a leading tourism destination in Africa.
According to the organisers, the initiative seeks to attract global tourism investors and enthusiasts while addressing lingering perceptions and safety concerns about travel to Nigeria.
Lagos State, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has continued to champion international tourism promotion through sustained investment in infrastructure, destination marketing, and cultural events. The state is leveraging the Dubai exhibition, in partnership with NATOP, to reinforce its reputation as Nigeria’s foremost cultural tourism hub.
The collaboration will also spotlight Lagos State’s Tourism Master Plan, ongoing investment opportunities, and the government’s stakeholder partnerships geared towards sustainable tourism development.
The Africa Market Place, curated by the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy, is expected to feature more than 250,000 African and Caribbean products across sectors such as fashion, food, technology, culture, and beauty — providing participants global visibility and access to international markets.
Speaking ahead of the event, NATOP President, Bolaji Mustapha, said Nigeria’s participation goes beyond promotion, describing it as a strategic move to restore global confidence in Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
“Perception is key to global tourism marketing. NATOP is committed to projecting Nigeria’s true image and showcasing the immense potential of our destinations to the world. We appreciate the Lagos State Government for trusting NATOP to market its cultural and tourism opportunities in Dubai,” Mustapha said.