By Priscilla Osaje, NAN
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) says five diplomatic missions in Nigeria will showcase their countries’ foods and beverages at the 2024 Gastronomy Festival, slated for May 31.
The Director-General of the institute, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.
Kangiwa said the five diplomatic missions that confirmed their participation at the forthcoming festival were Spain, China, Senegal, Congo, Trinidad and Tobago.
According to him, NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival is a masterpiece of gastronomy tourism that attracts over 5000 visitors and tourists.
He noted that the theme for the annual festival which titled “Sustainable Food Production from Farm to Table”, aimed at promoting Nigerian food production.
“Participation in this leading food festival is free of charge to organisations, food exhibitors, tourists, and visitors.
“NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival which commenced since 2021, aimed at bridging the gap in the dearth of skilled gastronomy and culinary personnel in the hospitality, travel and tourism sectors.
”The festival provides one of the best opportunities for hospitality and tourism personnel, stakeholders, students, and enthusiasts to have hands-on learning and experiences on the sustainability of gastronomy tourism in Nigeria.”
NIIHOTOUR boss noted that there would be exhibition of Nigerian foods and beverages across six-geographic zones by NIIHOTOUR, as well as exhibition of signature foods by leading chefs and restaurant franchises in Nigeria.
“Other activities in the arena of the foods’ exhibitions are live cake making competition by culinary schools in Abuja.
“The Spanish Embassy in Nigeria in partnership with NIHOTOUR will host a masterclass for culinary schools and Chefs in Lagos and in Abuja on May 26 and May 29 respectively.
“NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival will be rounded-off in the evening with live musical performances by leading artists in the country at a Gala and Award Night.
” NIHOTOUR will induct new fellows of the institute (FHTI) for their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the hospitality and tourism sectors in Nigeria,” he added.
NAN reports that NIHOTOUR was created by established laws to train, certify and register personnel working in Nigeria’s hospitality, travel and tourism sectors.
The institute is also the coordinator of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN).(NAN)