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South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe and seamless travel for Nigerian visitors. This was said during the South Africa Tourism Connect held on Wednesday in Lagos that brought together government, private sector, and travel industry representatives from both countries.
The event convened the South African Tourism Board, the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, South African Airways, and Nigeria’s leading travel trade bodies; the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and the National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP).
The, Acting High Commissioner and Consul-General of South Africa, Prof. Bobby Moroe opened the summit by speaking on reported xenophobic attacks that have circulated in Nigerian media and on social platforms.
He said: “South Africa remains safe for legitimate travellers. Incidents reported in mainstream and social media should not be taken as a representation of the average South African or the entire country. The South African Government condemns criminality. Crime has no nationality. South Africa belongs to all who live in it.”
Mohammed Kwajaffa of the South African Tourism Board emphasized Nigeria’s strategic importance to South Africa’s tourism economy, saying: “Nigeria remains one of our most important source markets. We are here to rebuild confidence, showcase new experiences, and make it easier for Nigerians to explore South Africa beyond the usual destinations.”
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South African Airways’ representative, Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, emphasized the critical role of air connectivity in stimulating tourism flows, saying: “Connectivity is key to tourism growth. SAA is committed to providing reliable airlift and competitive fares that will encourage more Nigerians to travel for business, leisure and family.”
While the President of NANTA, Dr. Yinka Folami, said Nigeria’s travel agencies are essential partners in the recovery effort. “At NANTA, we have the membership strength and pan-African outlook to sell South Africa. What we need is for history, education, and perception gaps to be addressed squarely, to restore confidence. Nigeria-South Africa relationship strengthens Africa,” he said.
On her part, the President of NATOP, Bolaji Mustapha, echoed this sentiment from the tour operator perspective, saying: “Tour operators want to package South Africa as a safe, diverse and affordable destination. The conversations today give us the tools to do that better. Joint marketing with the South African Tourism Board should be revisited.”
While the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Iyke Ejimofor, said: “Tourism and trade go hand in hand. When Nigerians travel to South Africa, they also do business. We must protect that corridor.”
