The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, has called for unity among practitioners in the Nigerian tourism industry. He said recent actions within the sector have raised significant concerns about potential disruptions to industry cohesion and growth. The FTAN President urged the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated agencies to prioritize unity and inclusivity to safeguard the sector’s future. He said: “FTAN, a longstanding pillar of industry representation and advocacy, has noted troubling developments involving the imposition of external entities, such as the Nigerian Economic Summit Group [NESG], onto the private sector. This shift towards involving external groups instead of collaborating with established industry bodies undermines the collaborative spirit essential for the sector’s success.”

He emphasized the critical need for unity, particularly with the upcoming 2024 World Travel Market [WTM], saying the fair provides 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 is imperative that the Ministry of Tourism to supports FTAN’s leadership and align efforts through established industry channels to ensure a cohesive approach. Onung spoke furthermore, “The recent designation of Akwa Ibom as the host state for World Tourism Day [WTD] has sparked additional concerns. While hosting WTD is a commendable initiative, the lack of clear and actionable planning threatens to diminish the event’s impact and benefits.” He noted that effective organisation and preparation are vital to maximize the potential of such high-profile events.He calls on the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies to adopt a more inclusive and transparent approach, that instead of unilaterally imposing decisions, the ministry should engage with FTAN and other stakeholders to build a unified strategy that supports and enhances Nigeria’s tourism sector. He said: “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.” According to him, FTAN remains committed to working collaboratively with the Ministry of Tourism to ensure that Nigeria’s tourism sector thrives on the global stage. He urged the ministry to recalibrate its approach, embracing FTAN’s leadership, actively participating in international events like WTM, and ensuring comprehensive preparation for events like WTD to build a stronger and more prosperous industry.