LAGOS-
The President of the Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World), Amb. Dine Bouraima, has reiterated the organisation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration among African tourism institutions, declaring AITEC World’s readiness to establish a strategic partnership with the National Association of Tour Operators of Nigeria (NATOP) as part of broader efforts to accelerate tourism growth and continental integration.
Delivering a speech as an international Special Guest of Honour at the 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NATOP held on 9 July 2026 at the Sen. Oluremi Tinubu Hall, Ikeja, Lagos, Amb. Bouraima congratulated the President of NATOP, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, the Executive Council and the entire membership on the association’s remarkable ten-year journey of promoting tourism development in Nigeria.
He described NATOP’s decade of service as an outstanding achievement that reflects resilience, visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to advancing the country’s tourism industry.
The AITEC World President also commended Hajia Mustapha for the successful establishment of the association’s national secretariat in Lagos, describing the development as a major institutional milestone that further strengthens NATOP’s capacity and reinforces its position as one of Africa’s leading professional tourism associations.
Reaffirming AITEC World’s continental mission, Amb. Bouraima noted that the organisation was established to connect Africa to the world and the world to Africa through tourism, trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Amb. Dine Bouraima, President of AITEC World making his speech as an international Special Guest of Honour at NATOP’s Conference and 10th AGM in Lagos, Nigeria, yestersday.
He highlighted the organisation’s rapid expansion since its inaugural global launch in Abuja on 14 August 2025, followed by its successful second global launch in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He announced that AITEC World is preparing for its third global launch in London on 2 November 2026, an event expected to attract governments, investors, tourism leaders and international partners from across the globe.
Amb. Bouraima further invited NATOP and the wider African tourism community to participate in the 2nd Africa Tourism Dialogue (ATD), scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 12 to 14 November 2026. The dialogue will bring together policymakers, investors, development partners and tourism professionals to explore practical solutions for unlocking Africa’s vast tourism potential through seamless travel, strategic investments, stronger partnerships and sustainable economic development.
One of the major highlights of his address was AITEC World’s formal proposal to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NATOP. He explained that the partnership would create a framework for joint tourism promotion, investment facilitation, professional development, institutional collaboration, knowledge exchange and initiatives that will strengthen Africa’s competitiveness within the global tourism marketplace.
According to him, the future of African tourism depends on stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector, development institutions and industry associations. He called on stakeholders across the continent to continue advocating policies that encourage visa facilitation, seamless air connectivity, infrastructure development, destination marketing, digital innovation and sustainable tourism practices.
The AITEC World delegation to the historic AGM was led by President Amb. Dine Bouraima and comprised Amb. Kazeem Balogun, Vice President for Communications and International Relations; Dr. Anthony Elumelu, National Representative of AITEC World Nigeria; Dr. Olanma Ojukwu, National Representative of AITEC World, Benin Republic; and Amb. Ayo Omotosho, National Publicity Director of AITEC World Nigeria.
The event attracted an impressive gathering of tourism and aviation leaders, including Dr. Aare Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR); Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace; Chief Nkereuwem Onung, Chairman of NATOP’s Board of Trustees and Special Advisor to AITEC World, as well as government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, tourism professionals and other distinguished guests.
The AGM served as an important platform for industry stakeholders to review the progress of Nigeria’s tourism sector while exploring new opportunities for stronger regional cooperation and continental partnerships capable of positioning Africa as a globally competitive tourism destination.
About AITEC World
The Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World) is a pan-African and global organisation committed to connecting Africa with the world through tourism, trade, investment, culture and sustainable economic cooperation.
Working in partnership with governments, regional institutions, development organisations and the private sector, AITEC World promotes policies and initiatives that advance tourism development, investment promotion, destination branding, capacity building, cultural exchange and economic integration across the African continent.
AITEC World is the convener of the Africa Tourism Dialogue (ATD), one of Africa’s leading tourism policy and investment platforms, bringing together governments, industry leaders, investors, academics and development partners to shape innovative solutions for the sustainable growth of Africa’s tourism economy. Through its expanding global network, AITEC World continues to champion visa openness, seamless air connectivity, youth empowerment, innovation and strategic partnerships that position Africa as a preferred destination for tourism, investment and shared prosperity.
