By Johnson Adebowale
The bustling corridors of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) recently played host to a figure with grand designs for Africa’s travel landscape: Mr. Harry Theoharis, the candidate vying for the top seat at the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). His visit, orchestrated by the dynamic leadership of NIHOTOUR’s Director-General, Aare (Dr) Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, centered on “Mission 100,” an ambitious blueprint aimed at unlocking the immense potential of Africa’s tourism, hospitality, and travel sectors.
The high-stakes meeting in Abuja served as a crucial platform for Mr. Theoharis to garner support for his candidacy while engaging in strategic discussions about Nigeria’s specific tourism priorities and the pivotal role NIHOTOUR is poised to play in driving a continent-wide tourism renaissance.
Aare Fagade, a driving force behind NIHOTOUR’s transformative agenda, warmly welcomed Mr. Theoharis and his delegation. He eloquently outlined the institute’s unwavering commitment to elevating Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors through rigorous training programs, robust empowerment initiatives, and effective regulatory frameworks. Underscoring the importance of aligning with global best practices, fostering innovation, and empowering the youth, Aare Fagade positioned these as cornerstones for sustainable development within the industry.
“Africa stands at the cusp of a transformative era, and through Mission 100, we have a golden opportunity to truly harness our rich tapestry of tourism, hospitality, and travel assets for the benefit of inclusive growth,” declared Aare Fagade with palpable enthusiasm. “NIHOTOUR is not just ready; we are eager to partner and spearhead initiatives that will firmly establish Nigeria and the wider African continent as formidable global tourism powerhouses.”
Mr. Theoharis, visibly impressed by NIHOTOUR’s strategic vision and proactive approach, lauded the institute’s ongoing initiatives. He emphasized Nigeria’s indispensable role in realizing his Mission 100 vision. This ambitious plan hinges on four key pillars: strengthening tourism governance across the continent, strategically building human capacity within the sector, aggressively driving digital innovation to enhance the tourist experience, and fostering robust strategic alliances between African nations and global partners.
“Nigeria, with its vibrant culture and immense tourism potential, is a crucial piece of the puzzle in unlocking Africa’s true tourism might,” Mr. Theoharis asserted. “The work being done at NIHOTOUR under Aare Fagade’s leadership aligns perfectly with the goals of Mission 100, particularly in terms of professionalizing the workforce and embracing innovation.”
This landmark engagement signifies yet another significant stride in NIHOTOUR’s evolution into a leading regulatory body with a clear vision for shaping the future of Africa’s hospitality, tourism, and travel industries. Under the visionary guidance of Aare (Dr) Abisoye Fagade, the institute is rapidly redefining standards of excellence, championing innovation, and advocating for sustainable development across the continent’s diverse tourism landscape.
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) stands as Nigeria’s premier institution dedicated to providing cutting-edge training, comprehensive capacity building, and effective regulation within the dynamic hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors. Under the transformative leadership of Aare (Dr) Abisoye Fagade, NIHOTOUR is at the forefront of redefining excellence, driving innovation, and championing sustainable development across the African continent.