Togo to Host Additional AHIF this year

Togo is to host an additional Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in spring 2016 reflecting the country’s optimism for further economic expansion.
AHIF conferences is expected to bring together major international investors, business leaders, government ministers and top officials from across Africa and will take place on 5th – 6th April at the new landmark Radisson Blu 2 Fevrier hotel in the country’s capital.

It will give delegates the chance to discuss the challenges and opportunities of investing and developing in the country.
Plans to host an AHIF conference in Togo’s capital Lomé next April run parallel with two major development initiatives designed to enhance the country’s standing as a strategic investment destination for business and tourism by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Private Sector Promotion and Tourism of Togo.
Lomé’s new airport terminal, which was scheduled to open in late 2015, will increase passenger capacity from 400,000 to two million, and triple the international airport’s passenger and cargo potential.

It will accommodate direct flights from Cairo, Turkey and Dubai. Within the next decade the expansion of the capital’s sea port will triple its capacity, to 1.2 million containers a year.
Togo attracts a variety of tourist visitors keen to explore its beautiful scenery and enjoy its tropical climate.

Latest figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council show that travel and tourism directly accounted for 3.1percent of total GDP in 2014 and is forecast to rise by 6percent in 2015, and by a further 2.2percent each year from 2015 to 2025.

On a wider analysis, the total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP was 6.7percent in 2014 and is forecast to rise by 5.4percent by the end of 2015.

“Our government is keen to see sustainable economic growth, and travel and tourism is a major contributor to that effort. Of course we face a number of challenges, and discussion between government and business, such as at AHIF, will help us find the best way forward,” said Bernadette Essossimna Legzim-Balouki, Togo’s Minister for Commerce, Industry, Private Sector Promotion and Tourism.