Lagos-

The Africa International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World) is on a bold mission to change the narrative of tourism and trade in Africa and across the world, in a dynamic and transformative manner that will encourage destinations to better appreciate the enormous value and potential of tourism.

This was the message of Dr. Anthony Elumelu, National Representative of AITEC World in Nigeria, as he explained the mission and vision of the continental and global tourism and economic organisation during the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market (AfTM), taking place at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria.

Speaking at the AITEC World exhibition booth, Dr. Elumelu addressed delegates, tourism stakeholders and other National Representatives of AITEC World attending the prestigious travel and tourism event. He highlighted the organisation’s determination to reposition tourism as a powerful driver of economic development, trade, investment, cultural exchange and sustainable growth.

According to him, AITEC World is committed to creating a new and more impactful narrative for tourism, not only across Africa but also in its relationship with the rest of the world. The Council, he explained, seeks to build stronger connections between destinations, governments, businesses, investors and tourism stakeholders while unlocking new opportunities for economic transformation.

Dr. Elumelu stressed that many destinations possess enormous tourism assets that are yet to be fully recognised, developed and integrated into their broader economic development strategies. He noted that through collaboration, advocacy, innovation and international partnerships, AITEC World aims to help destinations discover, appreciate and maximise the value of their tourism potential.

The engagement at the AITEC World booth also provided an opportunity for delegates and National Representatives to exchange ideas and further deepen conversations around the organisation’s growing mission of linking Africa to the world and the world to Africa through tourism and economic cooperation.

Among those in attendance were Amb. Kazeem Balogun, Vice President on Communications and International Relations for AITEC World; Dr. Olanma Ojukwu, National Representative of AITEC World in the Benin Republic; Mr. Ahmed Naamann, Member of AITEC World, Ghana; and Mr. Ayo Omotoso, Director of Communications and Membership, AITEC World Nigeria, alongside a host of other delegates and tourism stakeholders.

The gathering demonstrated the growing interest in AITEC World’s vision and its commitment to creating a stronger platform for collaboration across Africa and beyond.

As the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market continues to bring together tourism professionals, destinations, governments and industry players, AITEC World’s presence at the event reinforces its determination to champion a new era in which tourism is more widely recognised as a strategic tool for economic development, trade expansion, investment promotion and sustainable prosperity.

For AITEC World, the mission remains clear: to transform the way Africa and the world perceive tourism and trade, inspire destinations to recognise their true value, and build stronger bridges that connect Africa to the world and the world to Africa.