GOTA is Committed to Being a Reliable Partner for Global Travel - Dr. Mrs. Ojukwu

It is not often that you see women doing exploits in the global business landscape. Dr. Mrs. Olanma Alvanis OKORO OJUKWU is one of the exceptions. An accomplished travel and tourism expert, Olanma is the founder of GOTA International Group, which has over three decades of experience in aviation, travel, and destination management.

Recognized for her leadership in African tourism, Dr. Ojukwu was appointed in 2018 as Tourism Consultant to the Benin Republic Government for the Nigerian Market under Project CCOT. She is the official country representative of Royal Caribbean Cruise International in Benin and Togo, as well as the APG (Airline Promotion Group) Country Director in Benin Republic.

Olanma currently presides over the Tourism Development Commission of CTM Benin, the national association of tourism stakeholders. Her outstanding contributions have earned her numerous honors, including 100 Most Influential West Africans (2016, Ghana), Top 100 Women in African Tourism (2018, Nigeria), and Woman of Impact in Tourism (2019, Benin).

Dr. Mrs. Ojukwu recently spoke to The Afritraveller in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

Tell us a little about yourself and your professional background.

My name is Dr. Mrs. Olanma Alvanis OKORO OJUKWU. Interestingly, my journey in the travel world began in the early 90s as a professional Air Hostess. I was trained at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria in Kaduna State. I later transitioned into ticketing and agency leadership after completing Amadeus training in 2000.

I have held key positions with Westair Airlines and American Airlines in Benin Republic, where I served as Ticketing Supervisor. In 2009, I co-founded GOTA, through which I have pioneered inbound and outbound travel experiences, including multi-country West African tours, faith-based pilgrimages, medical and business tourism to Turkey, and leisure tours to the USA, Dubai, China, the United Kingdom, and across Europe.

I am happily married to Pastor Emmanuel Ojukwu, and we are blessed with three children.

Tell us about GOTA and its portfolios.

GOTA International Group is a proudly African brand founded in 2009, with a vision to connect Africa to the world and the world to Africa. What began as a travel agency has grown into a full-service group with three core portfolios:

• Travel & Tourism: 24/7 ticketing, Royal Caribbean cruises, study abroad consultancy, medical tourism, leisure tours, and pilgrimages.

• Property Services: Real estate brokerage and investment support in Benin Republic and Nigeria.

• Premium Business Services: Facilitating trade, investment, expos, and business tours, as well as providing advisory services, bridging West Africa with global markets like Turkey, China, Israel, and the USA.

At GOTA, we are committed to being a reliable partner for global travel, real estate, and business expansion.

At the moment, GOTA is one of the biggest Travel Agencies in West Africa. How did it all start for you?

The journey started by not seeing the end, but having the top-of-the-ladder mindset from day one. That helped shape our early self-sponsored participation in international trade shows to connect and learn from the best. As they say, you become what you see. Gradually, we began to reflect what we admired.

Indeed, it has been a journey of consistency, vision, and super selfless sacrifice.

Tell us some of the most important travel and tourism brands and Destination Management Companies you’ve worked with.

I’ve worked with some of the most respected global players. In West Africa, my top pick is TBI, Lagos. Elsewhere in Africa, that would be Southern Sub Tours South Africa and Southern Cross Safaris Kenya.

Internationally, I'd say, Group 7M USA, International Travels Israel, Renk Tours Turkey, Rida Tours Dubai, and Unique China Tours China.

These collaborations have strengthened GOTA’s ability to offer our esteemed clients authentic and premium global experiences.

What are some of the biggest tours GOTA has packaged/organised?

Over the course of our journey, we've packaged and organised so many tours both in Africa and around the world. However, the following tours standout:

• GOTA Discover West Africa: A cross-border tour covering Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria with a global mix of travelers.

• GOTA Easter in Israel: In collaboration with the Israeli Consulate in Benin, ongoing since 2014.

• GOTA Medical, Business & Leisure Tour to Turkey: A top-seller since 2014.

• GOTA USA Eductour & Cruise: Combining U.S. city experiences with Caribbean cruise getaways.

• GOTA Europe Cruise & Tour: A Mediterranean three-country cruise, held annually.

• GOTA Kenya & Dubai/Ethiopia & Zanzibar Tours: Blended luxury experiences.

• GOTA China Business & Leisure Tour: Opening trade and culture bridges with Asia.

From visa assistance to providing professional local guides, each of our tours is curated with full logistics.

GOTA Europe Tour & Cruise 2025 is coming up in July. Tell us about the tour. And how can someone participate in it?

Cruising is one of the best ways to experience the world. Where else can grandparents, parents, and children bond uninterrupted on a floating 5-star resort?

Every July, GOTA organizes a three-country Mediterranean cruise and tour as Royal Caribbean’s representative in Benin, Togo, and soon Côte d’Ivoire. In August, we do the Caribbean cruise from the USA.

Registration opens the year before because we handle everything, including visas, group flights, cruise bookings. We also offer installment payments.

For 2025, it’s a little late unless you already have a Schengen or U.S. visa. Cabin availability will also be tight. So, we invite travellers to start planning now for GOTA Cruise 2026!

Are there other regional and international tours lined up for the rest of 2025?

Yes, we have other regional and international tours lined up for the rest of the year. Here are some of them:

• 24–28 June: GOTA Discover Accra (with Weizo)

• 2–6 July: GOTA Discover Ondo (with NATOP)

• 15–19 July: SIFIA Business Conference, Côte d’Ivoire

• 21–31 July/December: GOTA Dubai Leisure Tour

• 28 July–10 August: Three European Countries Cruise & Tour

• 9–23 August: GOTA USA, Mexico, Honduras & Cococay Cruise

• 13–23 October: China Business & Leisure Tour

• 9–19 November: Turkey Business, Medical & Leisure Tour

• 21–31 December: Dubai, Zanzibar Safari Getaway, and Morocco (CAN)

Registrations are open for 2025 and 2026. Early booking is recommended. Interested clients can register on our website: www.gotainternational.com. They can also register by sending an email to tourisme@gotainternational.com or calling +229 0142457970/+229 0197482220

GOTA International Group is just about 15 years old, but it seems you’ve been around for decades. What’s the secret of your rapid growth and success?

Thank you! GOTA’s growth feels decades-deep because of three things: vision, consistency, and service beyond self.

We focused on value and capacity-building early even before we had the size. We showed up globally, built trust, and delivered excellence.

And most importantly, our growth is rooted in purpose. We’re not just building a business; we’re building a legacy.

What are the challenges of being a top-tier travel agency in Africa?

There are many challenges of being a travel agency in Africa. I can mention a few:

• Visa restrictions delay planning and erode traveler confidence.

• Weak regional flight connectivity makes intra-Africa travel costly.

• Lack of financing forces agencies to grow through personal sacrifice.

• Untrained operators have entered the industry without proper foundation, causing half-baked experiences.

• Unhealthy competition where others would rather no one succeed than align to learn from those who have invested.

Despite all these challenges, GOTA leads with integrity and continues to set the bar higher.

Despite several efforts, tourism has yet to grow significantly in West Africa. What do you think are the biggest challenges?

The potential of the tourism industry in Africa is huge, but growth is slow due to:

• Lack of regional integration in tourism policies.

• Cumbersome border procedures even within ECOWAS.

• Weak infrastructure from roads to hospitality facilities.

• Low global promotion—many African countries don’t market their destinations.

• Security perceptions that deter long-haul visitors.

• Lack of professional training in the sector.

The solution lies in public-private collaboration, strategic investment, and serious regional branding. West Africa is rich in culture, heritage, and landscapes. It simply needs to be better packaged and positioned globally.

What are your final words?

GOTA International Group is all about connecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa. At GOTA, we are not just moving people, we are moving mindsets, economies, and opportunities. We’re building bridges between Africa and the world, one curated experience at a time.

For us at GOTA, tourism is not just a business. It’s a mission. A purpose. A legacy in the making. And we invite you to be a part of it.