AITEC World President, Dine Bouraima Seeks Strategic Partnership, Champions United Vision for African Tourism at NATOP’s Conference and 10th AGM in Lagos
Share This Post
The President of the Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World), Amb. Dine Bouraima, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to forging stronger partnerships across Africa’s tourism industry, announcing AITEC World’s readiness to enter into a strategic collaboration with the National Association of Tour Operators of Nigeria (NATOP).
Delivering his speech as an international Special Guest of Honour at the 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NATOP and Conference, held on 9 July 2026 at the Sen. Oluremi Tinubu Hall, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, Amb. Bouraima congratulated the President of NATOP, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, her executive council and the entire membership for a decade of dedicated service to the advancement of tourism in Nigeria.
He described NATOP’s 10-year milestone as a testament to resilience, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the growth of the tourism sector.
AITEC World President, Amb. Dine Bouraima (3rd-R) joining other dignitaries to cut the 10th anniversary cake during the event
The AITEC World President particularly applauded Hajia Mustapha and her team for the establishment of the association’s new national secretariat in Lagos, describing it as a landmark achievement that strengthens the institutional capacity and credibility of NATOP as one of Africa’s foremost professional tourism associations.
Highlighting AITEC World’s continental vision, Amb. Bouraima explained that the organisation was established to connect Africa to the world and the world to Africa through tourism, trade, investment and economic cooperation.
He recalled the successful inaugural launch of AITEC World in Abuja on 14 August 2025, followed by its second global launch in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and announced preparations for the organisation’s third global launch scheduled for 2 November 2026 in London, which will bring together tourism stakeholders and investors from around the world.
He also invited NATOP and all tourism stakeholders to participate in the 2nd Africa Tourism Dialogue, scheduled to hold in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 12–14 November 2026, at Africa Celebrates 20226, within African Union Headquarters and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa where policymakers, investors, tourism professionals and development partners will discuss practical strategies for unlocking Africa’s tourism potential through seamless travel, investment, stronger partnerships and sustainable economic development.
A major highlight of his address was AITEC World’s formal expression of interest in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NATOP. According to Amb. Bouraima, the proposed partnership will promote tourism development, facilitate investment opportunities, strengthen professional capacity, encourage knowledge exchange and enhance Africa’s competitiveness within the global tourism economy.
He stressed that Africa’s tourism future depends on stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector, development institutions and industry associations, while calling for sustained advocacy for visa facilitation, seamless air connectivity, infrastructure development, destination marketing, digital innovation and sustainable tourism practices.
The AITEC World delegation to the AGM was led by President Amb. Dine Bouraima, including Amb. Kazeem Balogun, Vice President of AITEC World in charge of 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 several distinguished personalities from Nigeria’s tourism and aviation sectors, 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; Amb. Ikechi Uko, also BOT Member and Convener of Akwaaba Africa Travel Market alongside senior government officials, tourism practitioners, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners and industry stakeholders.
The 10th AGM provided another opportunity for stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s tourism industry while fostering regional and international cooperation for sustainable growth.
About AITEC World
The Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World) is a global tourism and economic development organisation dedicated to connecting Africa with the rest of the world through tourism, trade, investment, culture and strategic partnerships.
Founded with the vision of promoting inclusive economic growth and continental integration, AITEC World works closely with governments, international organisations, private sector institutions and development partners to advance tourism development, investment promotion, policy advocacy, destination marketing and capacity building across Africa.
The organisation is also the convener of the Africa Tourism Dialogue (ATD), a premier continental platform that brings together policymakers, investors, tourism professionals and global stakeholders to develop innovative solutions for Africa’s tourism and economic transformation. Through its growing international network, AITEC World continues to champion visa facilitation, seamless air connectivity, sustainable tourism, youth empowerment and stronger global partnerships aimed at positioning Africa as one of the world’s leading tourism and investment destinations.
