Abuja: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), organized a consultative meeting with the Confederation of Private Sector Organisations of Tourism in ECOWAS (COPITOUR). This meeting, held on July 29, 2026, in Abuja, coincided with the 9th Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE 2026). According to African Press Organization, the event brought together presidents of national tourism associations, directors general of tourism development agencies, and key stakeholders from across West Africa. Delegates from Ghana, Guinea, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Nigeria participated in discussions on strengthening regional business associations within the ECOWAS framework. Dr. Kalilou Sylla, represented by Ms. Anna Wadda, emphasized the ECOWAS Commission's commitment to enhancing regiona l business associations as strategic partners for regional integration. He highlighted tourism's role in promoting peace, cultural understanding, and economic prosperity in West Africa. The Directorate of Private Sector and Industry presented a framework for the recognition and accreditation of regional business associations (RBAs). The framework, based on seven pillars, aims to enhance governance, transparency, accountability, and performance of RBAs. COPITOUR delegates unanimously adopted the framework, seeing it as a tool to strengthen the tourism sector. Chief John Umoren, representing the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized that tourism encompasses a wide value chain beyond hotels and travel agencies. He advocated for greater recognition of sports tourism and other creative sectors, urging COPITOUR to consider them as viable business opportunities. The meeting concluded successfully, with delegates expressing optimism about the future collaboration between ECOWAS and COPITOUR.