Lagos – Mr Joesef Karim, the Chief Organiser of the annual Afro Tourism Expo, says arrangements are being concluded for the second edition of the expo on Nov. 17 in Abuja.
Karim, the Chief Executive Officer, Destination Marketing Extra, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that Nigeria would witness an influx of tourists from around the world.
He said the expo which gained national and international recognition was expected to attract a significant number of tourists this year.
He noted that the first edition recorded poor turnout of stakeholders and tourists, adding that the second would attract more participants as it had given the programme adequate publicity.
“Although, crowd at the maiden edition was good but needed more investors to tap from the enormous tourism and hospitality potential that Nigeria is blessed with it.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“The high arrival of tourists will boost the nation’s foreign exchange earnings,’’ Karim said.
He said that the theme for this year’s edition is, “Intra-Africa Transport Infrastructure: Panacea for Africa’s Tourism Development’’.
“The event will also ensure that the vast tourism potential in Africa is harnessed effectively in order to contribute to national development.
“It will also serve as an opportunity to brainstorm on how to move the sector forward so that Nigeria will be positioned as a preferred tourist destination in Africa,’’ he said.
Karim said that the event would provide basic information about the leading tourism and hospitality brands and at the same time facilitate trade and investment partners in the industry.
He, therefore, urged the federal and state governments to provide adequate infrastructure to make the tourism industry to thrive in Nigeria.
Karim disclosed that the expo had been endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and listed on its website.
He said that some of the countries that would be attending the expo are South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Cameroon, U.S., U.K., Austria, Brazil and Uganda. (NAN)
