By Janefrances Chibuzor
Director General National Institute For Hospitality And Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nura Sani Kangiwa has stated that Nigeria is the most competitive Gastronomy tourist destination in Africa.
Director General National Institute For Hospitality And Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nura Sani Kangiwa and the General Manager/CEO, National Arts Theatre, Prof Sunday Ododo at the event
According to Kangiwa, Nigeria has all it takes to become the leading Gastronomic Tourist destination in Africa.
He made the observation while giving an insight into the future of Nigeria in terms of gastronomy growth at the third edition of NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival held recently at the International Conference Center, Abuja.
He said: “Gastronomy is a cultural expression of nations through their food choices, sources of ingredients and types of cuisines and it typically thrives in culturally rich destinations like Nigeria”.
“The abundance of Nigerian cuisines exhibited here, today, are reflective of Nigeria’s gastronomic beauty and diversity. The cuisines poignantly reveal the ‘farm to table’ processes which signposts the economic multiplier-effects and social value of a thriving tourism Industry”.
He recalled, the the previous editions of NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival were very successful with over 1500 attendees ranging from stakeholders, members of the Diplomatic Corps, operators in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as members of the public.On this year’s edition,” he said, adding that this year’s festival ‘is no less endowed.’
“In fact, we have more than doubled the number of exhibitors for this event. As done in the past years, this day will be rounded off with a Investiture/Gala Night which would witness the presentation of prizes to winners of the Cooking Competition and conferment of the prestigious Fellowship of the Institute on individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves and contributed greatly to the promotion, growth and development of the Tourism and Hospitality industry in the country”.
