As part of Nigeria’s drive to reposition its tourism, hospitality, and travel sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), represented the country as a high-level panelist at the Europe-Africa Investment Summit held in Athens, Greece.
Speaking on the panel “Data-Driven Destination Management,” Aare Fagade showcased Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism development powered by digital transformation, workforce readiness, and smart regulation. His intervention aligns with NIHOTOUR’s dual mandate—as the apex institution for human capital development in the sector and as a national body now advancing its role as a regulatory authority for standards and innovation across the industry.
In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on job creation, youth empowerment, and economic diversification, Aare Fagade emphasised how technology—massive data, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure—can enhance:
• Personalised marketing and visitor experiences,
• Smart mobility and infrastructure planning,
• Sustainable resource management,
• Crisis response and destination safety, and
• Business tourism (MICE) development.
Showcasing Nigerian case studies, he spotlighted new and emerging business models that merge profitability with social and environmental responsibility, including:
• Community-based ecotourism hubs (e.g., Idanre Hills),
• Digital storytelling and booking platforms (e.g., Irin Journal),
• Green hospitality ventures (e.g., Jara Beach Resort),
• Creative and cultural tourism enterprises (e.g., Nike Art Gallery),
• and diaspora-focused remote work tourism.
“These models reflect what the future of Nigerian tourism must be—sustainable, inclusive, and digitally driven,” he noted. “NIHOTOUR is not only training the next generation of tourism personnel and practitioners but also working to set national benchmarks and regulatory standards to ensure quality, safety, and competitiveness.”
Aare Fagade also outlined strategic frameworks for public-private-community partnerships to develop smart infrastructure, strengthen rural tourism economies, and attract investment in underutilized destinations. His proposals included:
• Joint infrastructure development for eco-lodges and MICE venues,
• SME-focused tourism enterprise zones,
• Inclusive procurement policies to empower local suppliers,
• Community co-ownership models,
• and digital training for tourism entrepreneurs.
He concluded with a national call to action on human capital development. He identified eight policy priorities for Nigeria and Africa—from curriculum reform and vocational training to digital inclusion, gender equity, and workforce innovation—all central to NIHOTOUR’s transformation agenda.
Aare Fagade’s presence at the summit reaffirmed Nigeria’s position as a tourism destination on the rise, backed by bold leadership, visionary policy, and a commitment to inclusive, technology-driven progress.
