Tourism Council to Launch Operations in Abuja

The Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC-World) is set to officially launch its operations in Nigeria, with a plan  to unlock Africa’s tourism and economic potential through strategic partnerships and innovation-led cooperation.

At a media briefing held in Abuja ahead of the launch, Vice President, Communications and International Relations at AITEC-World, Kazeem Balogun, said the Abuja unveiling marks a historic beginning not only for the continent but for Nigeria in particular.

“The aim is to position Nigeria as the center of tourism in Africa. Abuja will become a major destination where different people from across the world will troop in, and this will significantly boost the local economy through tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.

“The  event will bring together policymakers, diplomats, development partners, creatives, and youth leaders—all united under the theme: “Tourism for Economic Advancement: From Africa to the World,” Balogun said.

While AITEC-World’s headquarters is based in Cotonou, Benin Republic, its decision to launch in Nigeria, it said, reflects the country’s strategic importance due to its population size, cultural richness, and growing youth sector.

The council’s six strategic pillars include: Boosting Africa’s global tourism brand, improving mobility and connectivity, and promoting sustainable, inclusive development across the continent.

“Our mission is to create a high-impact platform where tourism becomes more than  leisure; it becomes a conduit for trade, investment, education, culture, innovation, peace, and human connection.

“AITEC-World is built to drive strategic bilateral and  multilateral collaborations between Africa and the global community, offering practical  solutions to economic challenges and unleashing the full potential of the tourism  sector as a transformative industry in the world,” he concluded.

The launch is set for Thursday,  August 14, 2025, with a high-level event at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the organisation stated.