… pledges FTAN’s continuous support for Akwaaba
The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr. Aliyu Badaki, has called for the establishment of a proper structure for the tourism sector to unlock its potential and drive sustainable growth in Nigeria.
Badaki made the call in his goodwill message at the just concluded 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, where he said the sector could not continue to operate under the same system and expect different outcomes.
According to him, the lack of an appropriate structure remains one of the major factors limiting the development of tourism in Nigeria, stressing the need for government and other critical stakeholders to change the narrative.
“What we believe in is that where we are now in tourism in Nigeria is because of lack of proper structure. We cannot continue doing the same thing the same way and expect different results”, he said.
He said FTAN’s Tourism Transformation Agenda, which brought the current leadership of the federation into office, was anchored on the need to reposition the industry through structural reforms that would strengthen tourism businesses and promote Nigeria as a destination.
Badaki noted that Nigeria was richly endowed with tourism attractions and activities capable of contributing significantly to the country’s development if properly harnessed.
He also commended the organisers of Akwaaba African Travel Market for sustaining the event for 22 consecutive editions, describing the feat as significant to the growth and promotion of tourism across West Africa and Africa.
“Akwaaba is no longer a teenager; it has gone beyond that, adult. To be an adult, you know what it means. 22 editions back-to-back is not funny”, he said.
The FTAN President praised the organisers for creating a platform that brings tourism stakeholders from across West Africa under one roof, describing the event as a laudable initiative deserving continued support.
He said FTAN, as the umbrella body of private-sector tourism businesses in Nigeria, would continue to support Akwaaba and other initiatives aimed at promoting tourism in Nigeria, West Africa and Africa.
Badaki urged stakeholders to sustain their support for initiatives that provide opportunities for networking, business development and the promotion of the region’s tourism potential.
He also welcomed participants to the event and encouraged them to interact, network and make the most of their participation in the travel market.