WATO Hosts Tourism Investment Forum at WTM 2019

The West Africa Tourism Organisation (WATO) is geared and ready to host the West Africa Tourism
Investment Forum which is scheduled for Monday 4 th November, 2019 at the World Travel Market
(WTM), Excel Centre, London.

Collaborating with the organisers of World Travel Market (WTM), WATO’s focus is on ensuring that
West Africa is well represented in this year’s event and it will do so by hosting a West Africa Investment
Forum where issues relating to development of tourism in the region that is driven by foreign
investment will be discussed with a view to explore the best options for players and stakeholders in
the industry.

The CEO of WATO, Ms Ola Wright noted that the basis for focusing on tourism investment in this year’s
event is because West Africa is an emerging untapped tourist market, yet it possesses some of the
most fascinating attractions in the world.
She said: “As the official Centre of the World it is home to the fastest growing mega city globally, the
biggest man-made monument in the world, proudly the largest producer of Cocoa in the world, and
much more.

“West Africa has plenty to offer. However, the flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is lagging due
to a very false perception that Africa is a risky FDI destination. This is compounded by the lack of
regional level branding of Africa that showcases investment opportunities, exacerbated by limited
financial resources available, which affects the capacity for market investment opportunities to
potential investors across the world. This summit showcases the abundant investment opportunities
in this fast growing economy and the available funds for tourism infrastructure development,” she
informed.

Ms. Wright added that the event is intended to encourage West Africa’s tourism development,
promotion and investments into the sector, with government ministries/agencies from West African
countries, tourism stakeholders and investors from around the world in attendance. A major focus
will be on tourism infrastructure development and free movement within the region.West African tourism program of events between 4 and 6th November at WTM includes the exhibition
and Trade Promotion by several of West Africa’s destinations and organisations that have stands at
the 2019 WTM.

West Africa Tourism Investment Forum is scheduled for Monday 4th of November at the Africa &
Middle East Inspiration Zone – AF285 Excel, London at 3:30 pm where dignitaries and representatives
from participating destinations will give keynote addresses and presentations to promote their
destinations and tourism investment needs. Presentations will be made by Afrexim Bank, World Bank
and other investment and financial institutions as well as panel discussions involving investors and
tourism stakeholders.

Immediately after, the Ministers, Governors, Investors, and Stakeholders Networking Cocktail will also
hold on Monday 4th of November at the Africa & Middle East Inspiration Zone – AF285 Excel London
between 5 and 7 pm. The setting for the Cocktail will promote business development and networking
as there will be a live jazz musical performance to serenade guests as they are treated to delicious
West African dishes and drinks.

The culminating event is a West Africa Festival which will feature colorful dances, folklore songs, and
a band performance that will get participants partying to the vibes and rhythms of different West
African cultures. The fun-charged, party-setting festival is slated for Wednesday 6 th November at the
West African Pavilion, Africa section, WTM Excel London between 4:30 and 6pm. There will be tasty
foods and drinks from across West Africa to enjoy, keeping up the energy of attendees at the festival.