The Management of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism NIHOTOUR, the organisers of annual Gastronomy Festival, has confirmed the participation of some diplomatic missions in Nigeria.
According to the statement released by the Institute on Friday, stating that the Missions will be showcasing their countries foods and beverages at the food festival on Friday, 31st of May this year, in Abuja.
These countries includes Spain, China, Senegal, Congo DR, Trinidad and Tobago, adding that NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival is a masterpiece of gastronomy tourism that attracts over 5000 visitors and tourists.
While the theme for this year’s festival is “Sustainable Food Production from Farm to Table”, it was made known that participation in this leading food festival is free of charge to organisations, food exhibitors, tourists, and visitors.
Moreover, the statement explained that the NIHOTOUR Gastronomy festival is organised, every year since 2021, to bridge the gap in the dearth of skilled gastronomy and culinary personnel in the sectors in Nigeria.
Adding that it provides one of the best opportunities for hospitality, tourism personnel, students, stakeholders, and enthusiasts to have hands-on learning and experiences on the sustainability of gastronomy tourism in Nigeria.
Highlighting the programs of the Gastronomy Festivals, the statement said there will be exhibition of Nigerian foods and beverages, from the country’s six-geographic zones by NIHOTOUR, and of international cuisines by foreign missions in Nigeria.
Additionally, as part of the NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival programmes and activities this year, the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria, in partnership with NIHOTOUR, will host a Masterclass for culinary schools and Chefs in Lagos, on 26th of May and in Abuja on the 29th of May.
Chef Alex Marugan, the celebrated chef from Madrid Spain, and his team, will be teaching the class which will be Chef Alex Marugan’s second masterclass in Nigeria, courtesy of the Spanish Embassy and his first was at last year’s Gastronomy Festival in Abuja.
Also, the Festival will be rounded-off in the evening with live musical performances by leading artists in the country at a Gala & Award Night where 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.
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) is established by Act of Parliament with the mandates to Train, Certify and Register personnel working in Nigeria’s Hospitality, Travel and Tourism sectors and the coordinator of Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN).