The federal government, through the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), has taken a significant step towards strengthening the bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa in the areas of hospitality, tourism, and travel.
During a recent meeting between both African nations at NIHOTOUR headquarters in Abuja, Director General/CEO of NIHOTOUR, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, stressed how important it was to use Nigeria’s tourism potential, especially the 2024 Lagos Detty December, to improve people’s perceptions of safety in the country and encourage peaceful coexistence.
Also, Bobby J. Monroe The Consul General of the Republic of South Africa in Lagos, Nigeria, reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to working closely with NIHOTOUR, stressing the need for Africa to unite through tourism and leverage its cultural diversity for economic prosperity.
Fagade highlighted how a robust cultural and training exchange between both African nations could contribute to eradicating xenophobia and strengthening ties between South Africans and their Nigerian counterparts.
“Tourism is not just about travel and hospitality; it is a bridge that connects cultures, fosters understanding, and drives economic growth. Through structured training, knowledge exchange, and mutual collaboration, we can dispel misconceptions, improve security narratives, and build a future where Nigerians and South Africans see each other as partners, not rivals,” he stated.
Chronicle NG reports that both nations are focused on hospitality and tourism training exchange, cultural diplomacy, security and perception management, and joint tourism development projects for collaboration.
Both nations resolved to pursue vigorously the opportunities presented by this collaboration.
