Accra: Tour operators from across West Africa are calling for immediate reforms and practical solutions to tackle the persistent challenges faced during cross-border travel within the sub-region. The operators made the call during a panel session at the ongoing eighth edition of West African Travel Expo (Accraweizo 2025), on Friday in Ghana. The theme of the event is ‘Reimagining the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, President of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), emphasized the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for achieving seamless cross-border travel in West Africa. She highlighted the need for the private sector to take the initiative, much like their counterparts in Kenya, where the government followed the lead of the private tourism industry.
Mrs. Mustapha urged regional governments to collaborate on developing infrastructure, such as border facilities and transportation systems. She pointed out the necessity for a well-connected road network to enhance seamless travel, which could, in turn, reduce airfare. She noted that it is often cheaper to fly to Europe than to a neighboring West African country. Mustapha also advocated for creating bilingual content to bridge the region’s language divide and showcase its rich cultural heritage.
Recounting a recent experience at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Mustapha praised the professionalism of immigration officials in handling her documentation issues, underscoring that such gestures could significantly alter perceptions about traveling in West Africa.
Patience Okorie, Managing Director of God’s Own Travel Agency in Togo, highlighted the value of a comprehensive tourism directory for increasing local operators’ visibility and connecting with regional players. She suggested that including cultural festivals in cross-border travel itineraries would add value for both visitors and operators.
Ayi Okoumassoun of Jessika Tours, Benin, shared her perspective on the daily challenges faced by operators when crossing borders, stressing the fundamental need for the ability to move freely from one country to another to work effectively.
Obama Ojukwu of Gota International, who moderated the session, emphasized the media’s role in shaping positive narratives around West African tourism.
