Imported User:
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke, has confirmed that the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has formally announced Nigeria as the host of its 53rd meeting of the Commission for Africa (CAF) summit, a regional meeting for African Tourism Ministers slated to take place in Calabar, Cross River State, from June 25 to 27, 2012.
The summit with the theme: “Responsible Tourism: Opportunities for Women and Youth”, is expected to be attended by all 54 African countries and territories that are affiliate members of the UNWTO.
The minister was in the Madrid headquarters of UNWTO during the week to attend the Executive Council Meeting of the global tourism organisation of which he is a member. He briefed the council of Nigeria’s preparation and readiness to host the summit.
An elated Duke, following UNWTO’s confirmation of Nigeria’s hosting right, said, “The opportunity to host such an important continental tourism ministers’ session will bring immense benefits, not only for the industry, but also for the country”.
According to him, “The decision for Nigeria to host the meeting was taken last year in South Korea during the UNWTO General Assembly meeting”.
He disclosed that other countries that bided against Nigeria to host the meeting cited insecurity as a challenge but their argument failed to dissuade UNWTO which ratified its earlier decision and formally awarded Nigeria the hosting rights.
