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The African International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World) has called for stronger international partnerships and investment in Africa’s tourism industry, warning that the continent’s rich cultural and natural assets remain under exploited.
The call was made at the Council’s global launch during the World Travel Market (WTM) London on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at ExCeL London, United Kingdom.
The event attracted African tourism stakeholders, international tour operators, investors and media representatives, marking AITEC World’s third major launch following its regional unveiling in Abuja and continental launch in Addis Ababa.
Speaking on the theme, “Come. Connect. Collaborate. Invest,” AITEC World Global Adviser and Honorary Senior Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, said Africa needed genuine economic partnerships rather than tourism engagements focused solely on sightseeing.
“We launched regionally in Abuja to connect Nigeria. We launched continentally in Addis Ababa to connect Africa. Today, we launch globally here in London to connect Africa to the World and the World to Africa,” he said.
Onung argued that Africa’s tourism challenges were less about physical connectivity than about building meaningful relationships with international stakeholders.
He highlighted Akwa Ibom’s tourism assets, including its 129-kilometre Atlantic coastline, Ibeno Beach and Oron Museum, while inviting international investors to explore opportunities in the state.
Under Governor Umo Eno, he said, infrastructure investments, including Arise Park, Ibom Hotels and road development, were strengthening the state’s readiness for tourism partnerships.
“Africa does not need pity tourism. Africa needs partnership tourism,” Onung said, urging international operators to collaborate with local tour operators, museums and cultural institutions to create jobs and strengthen host communities.
He also stressed that investment in tourism infrastructure and enterprises was essential to unlocking the sector’s economic potential.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Ola Awakan, called for greater unity among African tourism stakeholders, advocating a coordinated approach to developing a sustainable cultural tourism economy across national borders.
The immediate past President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, urged stakeholders to translate tourism declarations into practical action plans and viable investment opportunities.
Similarly, the President of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting Nigeria internationally.
At the event, NATOP unveiled its Nigerian Tourism Passport, a handbook showcasing major tourist destinations across the country. Awakan commended the initiative but called for stronger collaboration with the national tourism authority.
AITEC World President, Mr. Dine Bouraima, said the Council would continue working with African governments, development partners and international stakeholders to increase the visibility of African cultural tourism and attract investment.
The Council seeks to connect African destinations with global markets through tourism, culture, entertainment and investment partnerships.
