ATPN Launches Initiative to Revive Nigeria’s Tourism Sector

The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has announced a strategic plan to revitalise itself and become a significant force in Nigeria’s tourism sector after nearly 25 years of dormancy.

During a recent breakfast meeting with the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) on September 18 in Lagos, ATPN President Femi Fadina shared details of the new roadmap. Since taking office in November 2024, Fadina has been assessing the organisation’s challenges and crafting a clear path for its revival.

He stated, “The revival strategy focuses on three main areas: organic membership growth, capacity building, and corporate sponsorship with structural compliance.”

Fadina emphasised that membership must offer value and require compliance. He stressed that payment and adherence to regulations are essential for all members, describing the association as a “family working through disputes.” He highlighted that his leadership will be guided by transparency, accountability, and a commitment to the association’s constitutional principles.

The new president defined tourism practitioners broadly to include travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, airlines, cultural custodians, and students seeking certification, pointing out the value of supporting grassroots workers.

Priorities for the ATPN under Fadina’s leadership include enforcing compliance, developing the organisation’s structure, certifying new practitioners, and advocating for members’ welfare. Drawing on his experience in countries such as Gambia, Barbados, and South Africa, as well as his 15 years as Deputy President of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Fadina believes that Nigeria’s tourism industry can become globally competitive with the proper structure in place.

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Although the ATPN currently has “very few paying members”, Fadina is confident that the association will emerge stronger, more structured, and more influential in tourism policy by next year.

He concluded, “Sustainability is non-negotiable. We must mentor young people and hand over a system stronger than the one we inherited. By next year, you will sing a new tune about ATPN.”

A revitalised and booming tourism sector would be a transformative force for the Nigerian government, offering a multitude of significant gains across economic, social, and political spheres. For a government heavily reliant on oil revenue, a thriving tourism sector provides a crucial path to economic diversification. Tourism serves as a channel for foreign reserves and investment, generating substantial income that can be used to fund public services and infrastructure projects. 

This revenue would come from various sources, including taxes on hotels, airlines, and tour operators, as well as visa fees and other tourism-related charges. Furthermore, tourist spending creates a “multiplier effect”, as money circulates through the economy, benefiting a wide range of ancillary businesses from restaurants and craft markets to transportation services and local farmers who supply the hospitality industry. This influx of capital helps to reduce Nigeria’s economic vulnerability to fluctuations in global oil prices.

The tourism industry is a powerful engine for job creation, offering opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labour. A booming sector would generate thousands of jobs in hotels, restaurants, transportation, event management, and cultural heritage preservation. It also fosters entrepreneurship, enabling small-scale businesses, such as tour guides, artisans, and vendors, to flourish. This widespread employment would not only improve the livelihoods of citizens but also serve as a key tool for poverty alleviation, particularly in rural areas where many of Nigeria’s natural and cultural attractions are located.

A booming tourism sector would provide the Nigerian government with a sustainable and multifaceted source of revenue, a potent tool for employment and poverty reduction, a catalyst for much-needed infrastructure development, and a powerful instrument for nation-building and global recognition. It represents a pathway to a more diversified, resilient, and prosperous future for the country.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers

What is the ATPN?

The ATPN is the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, a professional body for individuals and organisations involved in the country’s tourism industry.

Why was the ATPN inactive for so long?

The article doesn’t specify the reasons for the 25 years of inactivity, but it mentions that new leadership has been working to address the association’s challenges.

Who is Femi Fadina?

Femi Fadina is the current President of the ATPN. He assumed office in November 2024 and has extensive experience in the tourism sector, including 15 years as Deputy President of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).

What are the key priorities of the new ATPN leadership?

According to Femi Fadina, the revival strategy focuses on three main areas: organic membership growth, capacity building, and corporate sponsorship with structural compliance.

How can I become a member of the ATPN?

The article states that membership requires “payment” and “compliance.” For specific details, it is best to check with the ATPN directly.