Food has been described as a vital tool used by countries to showcase their culture and tourism potential to the rest of the world.
This is the reason for the 2023 Gastronomy Festival organized by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) at the International Conference Centre in Abuja over the weekend.
The festival attracted participants from Nigeria, other countries as well as stakeholders in the hospitality industry.
In his welcome address, Nura Sani Kangiwa, Director-General of NIHOTOUR said the annual festival which started in 2021 provides an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase itself as the leading Gastronomy tourist destination in Africa.
His words, “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.
“In fact, I dare say, Nigeria is the most competitive Gastronomy tourist destination in Africa. This can be found in the diversity of our ethnic groups and corresponding unique food cultures.
“The abundance of Nigerian cuisines exhibited here, today, are reflective of Nigeria’s gastronomic beauty and diversity,” he added.
A major highlight of the event is the exhibition of different traditional cuisines from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and other participating countries.
The festival ended with a Gala/Investiture dinner where prizes were awarded to winners of cooking competition and prestigious Fellowship of the Institute was conferred on individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves and contributed greatly to the promotion, growth and development of the Tourism and Hospitality industry of the country.
It is hoped that through culinary festivals like this, Nigeria can cement its place as the leading Gastronomic Tourist destination in Africa.
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