In a significant development for Africa’s tourism industry, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism DevelopIn a significant development for Africa’s tourism industry, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority [NTDA], has been appointed Chairman of the Board of the African Travel Commission [ATC].

The announcement was made in Abuja following high-level engagements led by ATC’s Executive Director, Dr. Lucky George, and comes on the heels of the Commission’s recent inaugural summit in Lagos.
Dr. Awakan’s appointment reinforces Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing continental tourism and builds on the country’s longstanding contributions to global tourism cooperation, including its involvement in the evolution of the World Tourism Organization.

Accepting the position, Dr. Awakan pledged to drive sustainable tourism growth, enhance Africa’s global competitiveness, deepen cultural exchange, and unlock broader economic opportunities through strong public–private collaboration.

He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s tourism outlook under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing that Nigeria is well positioned to spearhead efforts aimed at improving visa openness, strengthening connectivity, and fostering regional integration across Africa.

Speaking on the development, Dr. Lucky George, ATC Executive Director described the appointment as a defining moment for the continent’s tourism renaissance.

“This places Nigeria at the forefront of coordinated continental tourism advancement. We will be convening tourism leaders from across Africa to implement collaborative frameworks that will transform the continent into a premier global tourism hub through unity, innovation and strategic advocacy,” he said.

He further disclosed that, in line with ATC’s commitment to balanced leadership and strong public–private synergy, a Co-Chair from the private sector will be announced soon to complement the Board Chairman and strengthen industry-driven collaboration across the continent.

Originally established in 1965 and revived in Ghana in 2021 as a non-profit organisation, the African Travel Commission serves as a strategic platform to promote intra-African travel, strengthen partnerships, advocate progressive tourism policies, and position Africa as a unified global destination.

About the African Travel Commission [ATC]

The African Travel Commission is a continental body committed to advancing tourism development, regional integration, and sustainable growth across Africa through advocacy, partnerships and policy coordination.

Contact:

Lucky Onoriode George, Ph.D.
Executive Director 
African Travel Commission [ATC] 
Email: executive.director@africantravelcommission.org 
Tel: +234-8033546608 [Nigeria] | +233-546526740 [Ghana]
Website: www.africantravelcommission.orgssion [ATC]