FG hosts UN tourism candidate, engages in strategic talks on unlocking Africa’s potential

By: Joy Enamuna 

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), under the leadership of Aare (Dr) Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, recently hosted Mr. Harry Theoharis, a candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), during his official visit to Nigeria to seek support for his candidacy.

The visit centered around Mission 100 — Mr. Theoharis’ strategic agenda aimed at unlocking the tourism, hospitality, and travel potential across Africa — with particular emphasis on Nigeria’s role and NIHOTOUR’s contribution to the continent’s tourism transformation.

Welcoming Mr. Theoharis and his team, Aare Fagade outlined NIHOTOUR’s ongoing transformation efforts, which focus on the training, empowerment, and regulation of personnel within Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism, and travel industries. 

He emphasized the Institute’s dedication to promoting global best practices, fostering innovation, and empowering youth as part of its drive toward sustainable growth.

“Africa’s moment is here,” Fagade said. “Through Mission 100, we have a real opportunity to fully leverage our vast tourism, hospitality, and travel resources for inclusive development. NIHOTOUR is fully committed to partnering on initiatives that will elevate Nigeria and Africa onto the global tourism stage.”

In his remarks, Mr. Theoharis commended NIHOTOUR’s forward-thinking initiatives and stressed Nigeria’s crucial role in achieving the Mission 100 objectives. 

His plan focuses on enhancing tourism governance, developing human capital, embracing digital innovation, and building strong strategic partnerships across the continent.

This engagement marks a significant step forward for NIHOTOUR as it continues to position itself as a leading force in shaping the future of Africa’s tourism, hospitality, and travel sectors under Aare Fagade’s visionary leadership.

About NIHOTOUR:

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) is Nigeria’s premier institution for training, capacity building, and regulation in the hospitality, tourism, and travel industries. 

Under the stewardship of Aare (Dr) Abisoye Fagade, NIHOTOUR is setting new standards in excellence, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa.