In a pivotal address at the 27th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Hon. Dine Bouraima, President of Consortium Touristes Par Million Au Benin and Vice President of the African Tourism Board, delivered a heartfelt goodwill message emphasizing unity, collaboration, and the immense potential of the tourism sector in Africa.
Bouraima, honored as a special guest at the event, extended warm greetings from the President of the Republic of Benin, His Excellency Patrice Talon, and the people of Benin. He
expressed gratitude to the president of FTAN, Mr. Nkenrenwem Onung, for the opportunity to participate in the prestigious gathering, highlighting the shared commitment to tourism development in both Nigeria and Benin.
Reflecting on Benin's rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and natural beauty, Hon. Bouraima underscored the historical connections between Benin and Nigeria, particularly within the Yoruba community. He emphasized the importance of creating synergies between the two nations to foster sustainable tourism development.
"Benin has a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, historical significance, and natural beauty. From the historic city of Ouidah to the breathtaking landscapes of Pendjari National Park, our nation stands as a beacon of potential and promise in the tourism industry," he stated. "It is imperative for the two countries to create a synergy between ourselves in the areas of mutual tourism and sustainable development."
Hon. Bouraima highlighted the pivotal role of organizations like Consortium Touristes Par Million Au Benin and the African Tourism Board in fostering collaboration across the continent. He called for leveraging these platforms to harness the vast opportunities within the tourism sector, promoting mutual growth and prosperity.
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As the owner of Benin Royal Hotel, Hon. Bouraima shared his personal commitment to building strong working relationships with Nigerian partners. He emphasized the importance of such partnerships in enriching cultural exchanges and driving economic development in both countries.
"It is imperative that we leverage our resources, expertise, and unique offerings to create a seamless and enriching experience for tourists. By doing so, we can ensure that both our nations reap the rewards of increased tourism activity, greater cultural exchange, and enhanced economic growth," he asserted.
Concluding his message, Hon. Bouraima called for a reaffirmation of commitment to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and building bridges that lead to shared success. He expressed confidence in the potential of the tourism industries in Nigeria and Benin to create a sustainable future for their communities.
"Together, we can create a robust framework that will support our tourism industries and foster a sustainable future for our communities. Let us move forward with determination and unity for the benefit of all," he concluded.
Hon. Bouraima's message resonated with attendees, reinforcing the importance of cross-border cooperation and the shared vision for a thriving tourism sector in Africa.
