Banjul, The Gambia – The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has announced a formidable training faculty for its highly anticipated 2025 Travel Trade Course, set to take place in Banjul, The Gambia. The unveiling, conducted alongside former Gambian Tourism Minister, Fatou Mas Jobe, signifies a significant step towards enhancing the skills of Nigerian travel professionals.

Ms. Jobe will lead a team of distinguished experts dedicated to honing the capabilities of the 90 registered Nigerian travel trade professionals attending the week-long training, tourism trade exposure, and expedition. The delegation is being led by Mr. Yinka Folami, the President of NANTA.

According to President Folami, the training faculty was meticulously selected by NANTA’s training focal team, comprising immediate Past President Susan Akporiaye and current First National Deputy President Mrs. Chinyere Umeasiegbu. He emphasized that the chosen experts boast global tourism experience and reputable certifications spanning all facets of the industry.

A key highlight of the program is Fatou Mas Jobe’s participation. With a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Jobe is lauded for her innovative management skills, which she will share with the NANTA trainees.

Her impactful tenure as Tourism Minister in The Gambia saw her not only transform the nation’s tourism business but also emerge as a global advocate and mobilizer of tourism funding. Notably, she spearheaded a $12 million World Bank five-year marketing project in strategic collaboration with private sector operators, which generated a record 500,000 tourist arrivals for The Gambia. She is also credited with the transformation of The Gambia Tourism Authority and the Gambia Hotel School into The Gambia Tourism and Hotel Institute, attracting crucial funding from the Spanish government.

Joining Ms. Jobe is Dr. Adama Bah, an expert with over 40 years of experience in critical development and knowledge milestones across various sectors of the industry in The Gambia and globally. Dr. Bah serves as the Director and Chairman of the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia and is a foundation member of the Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET).

Completing the impressive NANTA training faculty is Mr. Mutiu Kolawole Ambali, a lead lecturer and head of the Tourism and Hospitality Department at the University of The Gambia. Mr. Ambali holds a Master of Science Degree in Tourism Development, with specialized experience in tourism and hospitality management, and a first degree in agricultural economics.

This high-caliber training initiative underscores NANTA’s commitment to elevating the standards of travel trade professionalism in Nigeria, leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals and the strategic location of The Gambia for an enriching learning experience.