The Africa International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World) is marking its first anniversary with growing international presence spanning 25 countries, with 30 Memoranda of Understanding and participation in 20 continental and global engagements.
The organisation’s President, Ambassador Dine Bouraima, described the anniversary as a milestone in AITEC World’s effort to connect Africa’s tourism potential with international markets, investment, knowledge and strategic partnerships.
In a statement commemorating the anniversary, Bouraima expressed appreciation to the organisation’s board, advisers, representatives, ambassadors, commissioners, specialised committees, members, partners and collaborating organisations for contributing to its development during its first year.
“AITEC World’s first year has been a year of purposeful action, continental engagement, international partnerships and institutional development,” Bouraima said, adding that the organisation was laying the foundation for a global platform focused on using tourism to advance economic development and shared prosperity.
From Abuja to Addis Ababa—and London
AITEC World was officially launched at the Abuja Continental Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria, on August 14, 2025.
The launch marked the beginning of the organisation’s drive to link Africa’s tourism assets with global opportunities and economic networks.
Its second major launch and continental engagement took place at the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on November 6, 2025.
The organisation is now preparing for a third major launch in London on November 4, 2026, on the sidelines of the World Travel Market.
The event is expected to deepen AITEC World’s engagement with international tourism community and strengthen its global profile.
Bouraima said the movement from Abuja to Addis Ababa and onward to London reflected AITEC World’s evolution from an ambitious initiative into an increasingly international platform connecting Africa with the wider tourism and economic- development ecosystem.
Building an international platform
Among AITEC World’s key achievements during its first year was the signing of approximately 30 MoUs with strategic partners.
The organisation also established Data Tourism Magazine, a platform intended to support tourism intelligence, research and evidence-based decision-making.
It further launched the Africa Tourism Dialogue, a high-level forum addressing tourism, mobility, investment, public policy, sustainability and economic development.
AITEC World also participated in 20 continental and international events, increasing its visibility and expanding its network of institutional and private-sector partners.
The organisation said it has developed partnerships with platforms and bodies including Africa Celebrates in Ethiopia, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, UVPP in Italy, Diaspora Link in Ghana and ATA in London.
It has also collaborated with the Global Tourism Forum Institute and received awards and other forms of recognition for its contribution to tourism and international economic cooperation.
Bouraima attributed the progress to the collective efforts of AITEC World’s leadership, representatives, ambassadors, technical commissioners, committees, members and partners.
Ten-year strategy unveiled
As it enters its next phase, AITEC World plans to implement a one-to-10-year roadmap focused on consolidating its institutional structures, expanding development partnerships, deepening engagement with governments and international organisations, and building a coordinated global network for tourism-led economic growth.
Six strategic priorities
AITEC World’s one-to-10-year roadmap is built around six strategic priorities. The first is to strengthen African and global tourism brands through improved destination marketing, promotion and international visibility.
The organisation also plans to support efforts towards the United Nations Tourism projection of 1.8 billion international tourist arrivals by 2030.
The second priority is improving mobility and connectivity. AITEC World said it would advocate greater visa exemptions and, where appropriate, visa-waiver arrangements among countries.
It also plans to work with governments, airlines and other relevant stakeholders to promote more direct and seamless air connections between Africa and the rest of the world.
The third priority is driving investment and tourism-led economic growth. In partnership with other stakeholders, AITEC World aims to mobilise up to US$500 million in tourism investment globally by 2030.
It also plans to support approximately 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises and youth-led businesses through knowledge-sharing, innovation, partnerships and tourism-focused economic initiatives.
The fourth priority is strengthening policy, data and innovation. The organisation intends to promote high-level discussions on tourism, culture, diplomacy, investment and economic development.
It will also use Data Tourism Magazine and other knowledge platforms to expand research and encourage evidence-based decision-making.
The fifth priority is promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development. AITEC World plans to support sustainable tourism and ecotourism initiatives, particularly in areas with significant biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Its approach will focus on ensuring that tourism benefits local communities, young people, women and locally owned businesses.
The sixth priority is integrating African and international tourism. Through joint projects, partnerships and other initiatives, AITEC World aims to bring African and international tourism stakeholders closer together, create mutual opportunities, improve competitiveness and generate shared economic benefits.
The organisation said it would support efforts toward the United Nations Tourism projection of 1.8 billion international tourist arrivals by 2030 through stronger destination branding, marketing and global visibility.
On mobility, AITEC World said it would advocate greater visa exemptions and, where appropriate, visa-waiver arrangements among countries. It also plans to work with governments, airlines and other stakeholders to improve direct air connectivity.
Its investment agenda includes a target of mobilising as much as US$500 million in tourism investment globally by 2030, while providing support to approximately 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises and youth-led businesses through knowledge-sharing, innovation and partnerships.
Focus turns to 2026 and beyond
Bouraima stressed that the anniversary represented the beginning of a wider journey rather than the conclusion of AITEC World’s first phase.
The organisation’s immediate priorities include its London launch in November, the second edition of the Africa Tourism Dialogue in Addis Ababa from November 12 to 14, 2026, and a programme of partnership and investment engagements in Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Singapore, Brazil, Ethiopia, Canada and other strategic markets.
AITEC World also plans to strengthen cooperation with governments, tourism authorities, private-sector companies, investors, development institutions, media organisations, academic bodies, civil-society groups and international tourism stakeholders.
“Our ambition is clear: to build bridges, not barriers; create partnerships, not isolation; and transform tourism into a stronger instrument for economic development, cultural understanding and global cooperation,” Bouraima said.
He called on countries, institutions, tourism organisations, investors, businesses, development partners and individuals across Africa and around the world to join AITEC World’s mission.
According to the organisation, Africa’s people, cultures, heritage, wildlife, landscapes, creativity and entrepreneurial energy represent significant tourism assets.
The central challenge, it said, is to connect those assets more effectively with international markets, investment, technology, knowledge and strategic partnerships.
“Africa’s journey continues—from Abuja to Addis Ababa and now towards London,” Bouraima said. “The first year has laid the foundation; the next decade will build the legacy.”
