NIHOTOUR to host food festival in Nigeria

The Management of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), organisers of one of the largest food festivals in Africa, ‘NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival’, have announced Friday 31st of May 2024 as the date for the mouth-watering event scheduled to hold at the Abuja International Conference Centre.

This was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, NIHOTOUR, Joesef Karim in Abuja on Thursday.

According to the statement, participation in the food festival is open to the public and free of charge.

The statement read: “This year’s the 4th consecutive edition of NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival, which was conceived in 2020 to improve the gastronomic service skills-set of personnel working in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

“The Festival is a masterpiece of gastronomy tourism that attracts over 5000 visitors and tourists. The theme for this year 2024 is 'Sustainable Food Production from Farm to Table.'

“NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival 2024 will witness exhibition of Nigerian foods and beverages by NIHOTOUR from the six-geopolitical zones, exhibition of international cuisines by foreign missions in Nigeria and exhibition of signature foods by leading chefs and restaurant franchises in the country.

“There will also be display of international best practices in cuisines presentation and foods handling. Tourists and visitors at the Gastronomy Festival are allowed to freely sample all exhibited foods, while being serenaded with Nigerian music and eclectic cultural entertainment.

“Previous editions of NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival saw the participation of some diplomatic missions in Nigeria including Spain, China, Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Trinidad & Tobago, among others.

“More so, a number of leading travels, food and beverage brands in Nigeria also featured including Air Cote d’Ivoire, Destination Senegal, Danone Fan Milk, Delifrost, and Nigerian Breweries, to mention a few.

“As part of the 2024 Gastronomy Festival activities, there will be live Cake Decoration competition amongst culinary schools in Nigeria.

"The event, no doubt, will provide an avenue for major stakeholders in the Food and Beverage Industry to showcase their services and engage with the guests in a relaxed and fun- filled atmosphere.

“The 2024 NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival will be rounded-off in the evening with live musical performances by leading Nigerian artists at a Gala & Award Night where NIHOTOUR will induct new ‘Fellows of the Institute’ 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 the lead parastatal of the Federal Government of Nigeria that is empowered by an Act of Parliament to Train, Certify and Register all personnel in Nigeria’s hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.”