Council seeks to inspire destinations to recognise tourism’s immense economic value
LAGOS-
The Africa International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World) is pursuing an ambitious mission to transform the narrative of tourism and trade in Africa and across the globe, according to its National Representative for Nigeria, Dr. Anthony Elumelu.
Dr. Elumelu made this known while explaining AITEC World’s mission and vision to delegates and National Representatives of the organisation attending the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market (AfTM) at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos recently.
Speaking at the AITEC World exhibition booth, Dr. Elumelu said the Council’s objective is to promote a dynamic approach to tourism and trade that would encourage destinations to recognise, appreciate and maximise the immense value of tourism.
Dr. Anthony Elumelu speaking to delegates at the AITEC World exhibition booth during Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos recently while Dr. Olanma Ojukwu, National Representative, AITEC World-Benin and Amb. Kazeem Balogun, Vice President on Communications and lnternational Relations looked on.
He explained that tourism should be regarded not merely as an avenue for leisure and travel, but as a major catalyst for economic development, investment, employment generation, cultural exchange and international cooperation.
According to him, AITEC World is committed to fostering stronger partnerships among governments, destinations, tourism authorities, private-sector operators, investors and international stakeholders to unlock the vast tourism and economic potential of Africa.
He further emphasised the importance of changing the way destinations perceive and utilise their tourism resources, noting that a deeper appreciation of tourism’s contribution to national and regional economies could create new opportunities for sustainable development.
The engagement at the AITEC World booth provided an opportunity for delegates and members of the Council from different countries to exchange ideas and gain deeper insights into the organisation’s vision of strengthening tourism and economic cooperation between Africa and the rest of the world.
Among those in attendance were Amb. Kazeem Balogun, Vice President of Communications and International Relations, AITEC World; Dr. Olanma Ojukwu, National Representative of AITEC World in the Benin Republic; Mr. Ahmed Naamann, Member, AITEC World Ghana; and Mr. Ayo Omotoso, Director of Communications and Membership, AITEC World Nigeria, Mrs. Agatha Iyok, AITEC World- Cameroon alongside several other delegates and tourism stakeholders.
AITEC World’s participation in AfTM underscores its commitment to creating platforms for dialogue, collaboration and strategic partnerships aimed at repositioning tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
As the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market brings together tourism professionals, destinations and industry leaders, the Council continues to advocate a new tourism narrative—one that places greater emphasis on the economic significance of tourism and its capacity to connect Africa with global opportunities.
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