NECA House, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos — November 25, 2025 felt like the day Africa’s tourism world paused to breathe together. Under the theme “The Value of Collaboration: Transforming African Tourism through Strategic Partnerships”, the 2025 edition of TOICE brought together tour operators, travel-tech innovators, destination managers, hospitality stakeholders and tourism lovers for a full day of conversation, commitment and connection.
The hall buzzed with energy from the start. Guests checked in, exchanged greetings, and settled in. The air carried expectation for real talk about real change for tourism across Nigeria and beyond.
TOICE 2025 Opening & Royal Welcome
The event opened with warm greetings from the convener, Makanjuola Ibrahim, MD Getittome Africa Concept LTD who reminded everyone that reviving African travel depends on unity and shared vision. Soon after, the goodwill message came from the “Father of the Day,” HRH Abiola Olojo‑Kosoko. He addressed the audience:
“It is with great pleasure that I bring you warm greetings on the occasion of the TOUR OPERATORS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXPO. I am honored to be part of this significant event.”
That royal stamp set the tone: respectful, hopeful, and rooted in heritage.
Then the first keynote speech arrived. A powerful one delivered by Dr. Oludayo Taiwo Gideon (GIDIBOSS), CEO of Aeroport Group. Dr. Gideon urged stakeholders to stop viewing tourism as a solo hustle and more like a communal mission. He spoke about better ways to collaborate starting with having a solid legal framework. He also spoke about shared resources, and the power of co-branding to position African destinations ahead of global competition.
This speech led the way and was a point of reference for Panelists and keynote speakers who came after him like Amb. Nneka Isaac Mosses who called him “pastor of tourism”.
Panels That Spoke Truth: Collaboration, Trust & Pricing
The first panel “From Competition to Collaboration” was led by moderators Jumoke Munu and Sewedo Balogun. Panelists included Favour Onyeoziri founder Happy Orange, Ganiyu Kolawole, and Victor Omisande (Alarinka)
Onyeoziri spoke of resort owners vs tour operators drama leading to unfair pricing on operators instead of being seen as collaborators. He also argued that the next five years may demand niche services, ethical collaboration, and transparent partnerships if the industry will grow
Kolawole spoke about perennial challenges with cross-border travel and accessibility. The panel also touched on generational gaps between younger and older operators and how certain cultural practices have been more of a barrier for collaboration between different generations. The message was clear: collaboration needs clarity, trust, and respect.
A second panel titled “Strengthening Trust in African Travel: Service Standards, Legal Readiness & Global Competitiveness” featured panelists like Olugbenga Sunday (FITPN), Marvellous Dada, and Oluwa Enitan Sophie. They argued that joining reputable bodies and adhering to ethical standards is more valuable than competing on price. According to them, “trust is the most important currency” in tourism.
This was followed by another Keynote speech by AMB. Nneka Isaac-Moses praised the previous speakers and Panelists and how they have done justice to the topics. She also spoke about navigating proposing collaborations with more established brands. According to her a collaboration proposal must come with a value for both parties not just one of the parties.
These sessions were very interesting and enlightening that it drew contributions from HRH Oba Abiola Olojo-Kosoko who spoke about tour operators collaborating on promoting heritage sites and traditions institutions and religious festivals.
NATOP President Hajia Bolaji Mustapha spoke about the need to join an umbrella body, involvement with government, how to market Nigeria to the world and how seeking mentorship and collaboration is the way to go for new or relatively small operators. This way the avoid legal issues, financial losses and other things that can go wrong without proper training, guidance or experience.
Workshops & Strategy Sessions: Pricing Fair, Tourism Fair
After discussions, attendees moved into the workshop: “Balancing Value and Responsibility: Sustainable Tourism and the Art of Pricing Tour Packages.” Facilitator Hassan Abdulahi Zakari walked participants through how to build tour packages that account for insurance, environmental impact, fair labor, community benefit and transparent pricing. Operators learned how fair pricing and ethical tourism can go hand in hand with profitability.
The workshop also drove home that tourism isn’t just sightseeing — it’s heritage, culture, people, and long-term community growth.
The workshop ended with a certificate test for attendees.
Exhibitions, Networking & Culture Vibes
TOICE 2025 didn’t feel like a stiff conference. Between sessions the hall transformed into a marketplace of ideas: travel-tech stands, destination-marketers, resort reps, content-creators, and entrepreneurs all mingled. Business cards exchanged hands. Tentative deals took shape.
To lighten the mood, spoken-word artist Global Gloria and guitarist Segz D Guitarist offered musical and poetic interludes — a reminder that tourism isn’t just services and plans, but stories, culture, rhythm.
Amidst the networking and music, attendees shared ideas for youth-driven domestic tours, eco-friendly experiences, and cross-border travel packages. The energy felt real.
Voices That Matter: Official Support & Industry Champions
Official backing came from NATOP, the top umbrella body for tour operators in Nigeria. Their President, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, endorsed TOICE 2025 publicly, while contributing to conversations. She emphasized that partnerships are critical to moving the industry forward.
Also, media-culture champion Ambassador Nneka Isaac Moses (Co-Founder, Goge Africa) delivered a keynote reflection as an invited guest. Drawing from years of storytelling and travel-tourism advocacy, she urged tour operators to reimagine tourism as a cultural conversation. She encouraged collaborations with communities, use of storytelling and authentic experiences to draw global travellers, and building packages that reflect Africa’s rich heritage not outdated stereotypes.
Her speech resonated, reminding attendees that tourism must carry dignity, respect, history and authenticity.
Why TOICE 2025 Matters — What It Could Spark
TOICE 2025 could be the turning point the Nigerian tourism industry needs. At a time when many operators work in isolation, this conference offered a roadmap:
- Shared resources and co-branding to reduce cost and increase value
- Transparent pricing and ethical packages that respect community and environment
- Unified standards under professional bodies to build trust with global clients
- Technological, unified platforms for co-ordination
- Cultural authenticity, storytelling, and heritage-centred packages to distinguish African travel
For small operators, TOICE offered mentorship, alliances, exposure. For travellers, it promised safer, more reliable, more meaningful experiences. For Nigeria, it planted a seed for a tourism ecosystem built on unity, trust, respect, and creativity.
Conclusion: A Day That Ignites the Future
As the sun set on NECA House, faces glowed with excitement and hope. Phones buzzed with new contacts. WhatsApp chats lit up with ideas and collaborations. People left with more than business cards they carried conviction, and some others free trips to East Africa and Ikogosi won at the event.
TOICE 2025 didn’t solve all problems. But it opened dialogue. It exposed challenges. It offered solutions. And above all it united people who love travel, culture, adventure, Nigeria and Africa.
If this energy holds, if these conversations turn into action the future of African tourism just got a lot brighter.
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