The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation has joined the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) as an Associate Member. This membership makes Nigeria the first and only West African country to be accepted into USTOA.

Nigeria Tourism’s acceptance into USTOA comes as no surprise, as its goals match up aptly with the USTOA’s. As stated in the USTOA 2013 annual directory, Associate Membership invitations are “extended to responsible industry and governmental entities and organizations whose interests and purposes are compatible with those of USTOA, which is to encourage and support professional and financial integrity in tourism and in the future of the travel industry.”

This membership is the first step in Nigeria Tourism’s overall marketing strategy which aims to work with U.S. tour operators to educate them about the destination and to assist them in developing itineraries and tours to Nigeria.

With spectacular nature, unique wildlife, world-class golf courses, and a multitude of leisure activities and accommodations options, Nigeria is primed to welcome tourists from the U.S. and around the world. The most populous West African coastal nation, Nigeria also offers a vast cultural heritage from one of the primary sources of the African Diaspora.

Visitors to the country can immerse themselves in the destination’s culture and history, and African Americans may be able to trace their heritage to Nigeria. The theme “Nigeria: Our History is Your History” is a part of the integrated marketing campaign that Nigeria Tourism has launched this year and which it will continue into 2013 throughout the U.S..

“We look forward to welcoming tour operators, travel agents and U.

S. tourists to Nigeria, where we can share with them our unique culture and legacy, along with our natural attractions and enticing activities”, said Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation.

Beyond Nigeria’s vibrant natural environment of mountain ranges, rainforests, rich savannah plains, and hundreds of lakes, rivers and waterfalls, there are also many rapidly growing cities to be explored, where old blends with new.

The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, www.tourism.gov.ng