By Rita Okoye

The Miss and Mr Tourism Africa pageant is set to make a splash in the Nigerian tourism scene with its upcoming event on October 1.

The pageant, which will feature delegates from various African countries, aims to promote African culture and tourism while also providing opportunities for young people to showcase their talents.

At a recent press conference, Santiago Robert, President of Miss and Mr Tourism Africa emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and private organizations in promoting tourism. “We hope that the government will wake up to the call of prioritizing tourism, working hand in hand with private stakeholders to promote the nation’s tourism and market it to the international scene,” he said.  

This year’s pageant will mark the debut of Mr Tourism Africa, and the winners will receive significant prizes, including cash, an all-expenses-paid trip to the Maldives, and a chance to feature at the Milan Fashion Week in 2025.

Kazeem Balogun, Director of Media and Communications at the African Tourism Board, echoed the importance of tourism as a business investment. He urged the government to create an enabling environment for the tourism sector to thrive, emphasizing the numerous benefits it can bring to the country.

Rita Opiah, General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Lagos, expressed her support for the pageant and highlighted the potential for the winners to become ambassadors of African culture and tourism. “Through her insightful experiences via this platform and as an ambassador of tourism, we know that she will show forth to the world, Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage with authenticity,” she said.

As the countdown to the pageant begins, anticipation is high for this exciting event that promises to showcase the beauty, talent, and cultural richness of Africa.