The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria has urged the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated agencies to prioritise unity and inclusivity to safeguard the sector’s future.

National President of FTAN,  Nkereuwem Onung, made the call in a statement on Saturday.

 Mr Onung said that the call was necessitated by recent actions within Nigeria’s tourism sector, which raised significant concerns about potential disruptions to industry cohesion and growth.

 He said that FTAN, a long-standing pillar of industry representation and advocacy, had observed troubling developments involving the imposition of external entities, such as the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, on the private sector.

 According to him, the shift towards involving external groups instead of collaborating with established industry bodies undermined the collaborative spirit essential for the sector’s success.

 Mr Onung stressed the critical need for unity, especially with the forthcoming 2024 World Travel Market.

According to him, the global event presents a crucial opportunity for Nigerian tourism operators to forge business relationships, engage with international peers, and promote Nigeria’s diverse attractions.

 FTAN noted that it was imperative that the ministry support FTAN’s leadership and align efforts through established industry channels to ensure cohesion.

He noted that the recent designation of Akwa Ibom as the host of WTD had sparked additional concerns.

He said, “While hosting WTD is a commendable initiative, the lack of clear and actionable planning threatens to diminish the event’s impact and benefits. Effective organisation and preparation are vital to maximising the potential of such high-profile events.’’ 

Mr Onung, however, called on the ministry and its agencies to adopt a more inclusive and transparent approach.

He said that instead of unilaterally making decisions, the ministry should engage with FTAN and other stakeholders to build a unified strategy that could support and enhance Nigeria’s tourism sector.

“Unity and collaboration are essential for advancing Nigeria’s tourism industry. By respecting the roles of established industry bodies and fostering a more inclusive approach, Nigeria can improve its global tourism profile and fully leverage its diverse attractions,” he said.

 Mr Onung assured that FTAN remained committed to working collaboratively with the ministry to ensure that Nigeria’s tourism sector thrives on the global stage.

 He advised the ministry to recalibrate its approach, embrace FTAN’s leadership, actively participate in international events like WTMband, and ensure comprehensive preparation for events like WTD to build a stronger and more prosperous industry.

 (NAN)