Nigeria To Host 3rd Edition Of Gastronomy Fair In June

Nigeria is scheduled to host the third edition of its Gastronomy Fair at the International Conference Center (ICC) on June 16 and 17, 2023.

The Gastronomy Fair organized by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), is targeted at the upskilling of Nigerian gastronomes on the essence of the preparation and presentation of traditional Nigerian cuisines to improve the expertise of practitioners in the tourism sector.

This third edition of the festival is focusing on Culinary Arts As The Gateway to Growing Tourism Destinations and Responsible Tourism Practices that eschews wildlife hunting for food, in particular bush meat, using traps. It will feature food and beverage exhibition by NIHOTOUR and leading local food franchises, international cuisines showcase by foreign missions, Jollof War by select west African chefs, and the investiture of NIHOTOUR Fellowships on individuals who have contributed to the development of the nation’s Tourism and Hospitality sector.

Likewise, a masterclass for members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Travel Writers (ANJET) facilitated by the director general of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mr Otunba Runsewe, the managing director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Buki Ponle and ex-NTA director, Mr Peter Igho.

Gastronomy Fair, the institute said is an opportunity to address the dearth of culinary artistry in the country. “The festival provides one of the best opportunities for hospitality and tourism stakeholders, students and enthusiasts to have hands-on learning and perspectives on how to sustain the tourism destinations using gastronomy festivals as promotional tools,” said director Media & Public Relations, NIHOTOUR, Mr Ahmed Sule.

Since its establishment in 2021, the festival have seen over 5,000 visitors including local industry stakeholders and the diplomatic community in Nigeria such as Ethiopia, China and Spain participate. The latter showcasing their countries food culture and processes of preparation from the farm to the table.

One of the current and major push-and-pull factors of tourism, gastronomy is a strategic tourist product that provide employment for host communities youth and women, wealth for investors and increased revenue streams for government and improve the Nigeria’s food chain value.