AITEC World President Dine BouraimaCalls for West African Tourism Corridor as Key to Regional Growth, Receives Dual Honours at National Tourism Transportation Summit

ABUJA-

The President of the Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World), Amb. Dine Bouraima, has called on Nigeria to champion the establishment of a West African Tourism Corridor that will transform regional tourism through improved transportation connectivity, seamless mobility and stronger economic integration.

Amb. Bouraima made the call yesterday while delivering his goodwill message as a Special Guest at the National Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo, held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, under the theme, “Tourism and Transportation: Building Connectivity and Mobility for Sustainable Development.” The summit brought together government officials, tourism stakeholders, transport operators, development partners and private sector investors to explore practical strategies for advancing tourism through integrated transportation systems.

In his address, the AITEC World President stressed that the greatest barrier to tourism growth in West Africa is not the absence of tourism assets but the region’s inadequate transport connectivity. He noted that Africa possesses extraordinary cultural heritage, natural attractions and investment opportunities, yet millions of potential travellers are discouraged by expensive air travel, poor transport infrastructure and cumbersome cross-border travel procedures.

“The greatest obstacle to tourism development in West Africa is not the lack of attractions—it is the lack of connectivity. We must make travel easier, faster, and more affordable. I propose that Nigeria take the lead in establishing a West African Tourism Corridor, connecting our countries through efficient air, road, and maritime transport networks. We must also reduce airfares, harmonize travel procedures, and promote public-private partnerships to invest in tourism infrastructure. By better connecting our destinations, we will stimulate tourism, boost trade, attract investment, and create jobs. Transportation is far more than a means of travel—it is the engine of economic integration across our region.”

Amb. Dine Bouraima, President of AlTEC World being decorated with with the Fellow of the Institite of Tourism Practioner of Nigeria at the event in Abuja

Amb. Bouraima explained that creating a regional tourism corridor would significantly improve visitor movement across West Africa while strengthening intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). According to him, enhanced transportation networks would not only increase tourist arrivals but also unlock new opportunities for investment, cultural exchange, youth employment and sustainable economic development across the region.
He further urged governments, regional institutions and the private sector to collaborate on modernising transport infrastructure, expanding aviation connectivity, improving maritime services and developing efficient road networks that link tourism destinations across borders. Such investments, he said, would position West Africa as a competitive multi-destination tourism region capable of attracting larger shares of the global travel market.

The summit also marked a memorable personal milestone for the AITEC World President as he was honoured with two prestigious recognitions in acknowledgement of his outstanding contributions to tourism development across Africa. He was formally inducted as a Fellow of the Institute of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ITPN) and later received the Pan-African Tourism Leadership and Impact Award during the colourful gala night, where distinguished tourism professionals and industry leaders were celebrated for their achievements.

The twin honours underscore Amb. Bouraima’s growing influence in promoting regional tourism integration, investment, policy advocacy and international collaboration through AITEC World. Under his leadership, the organisation continues to champion initiatives that connect Africa to the world while fostering sustainable tourism, economic cooperation and inclusive growth across the continent.

His participation at the National Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo further reinforced AITEC World’s commitment to working with governments, industry stakeholders and international partners to build a more connected, accessible and prosperous African tourism ecosystem where transportation serves as the foundation for sustainable development and regional prosperity.