The Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) to enhance human resource and manpower development of the Nigerian travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. The signing of the MoU, which took place during the week at the ITPN Headquarters in Abuja, has Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, ITPN National President signing for ITPN, while Dr. Lilian C. Managwu, President of HATMAN signed on behalf of the association.

Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, National President of ITPN , Chief Abiodun Odusanwo said signing of the MoU signifies the Institute’s recognition of the need for collaboration in the discharge of its objectives as it relates to professional development and upscaling in the industry through articulation of awards, complementary activities and skill training for the purpose of advancing the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry in Nigeria.Chief Odusanwo who stated that the MoU is meant to provide the tourism and hospitality sector with quality human resources that will ensure quality service delivery in line with global best practices, further posited that the agreement will strengthen the relationship between the Institute, as an awarding body and HATMAN, as a body of professional Managers in the tourism and hospitality sector for the implementation of the country’s Vocational training needs and skill acquisitions at managerial levels for practitioners in the industry.In her contribution during the signing ceremony, Dr. Lilian Managwu, President of HATMAN, noted the uniqueness of the MoU as one that will enhance capacity building in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry, improving the quality of services and experiences offered to tourists and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth as the hallmark of the tourism and hospitality industry everywhere in the world.First National Deputy President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), and immediate past President of HATMAN,and Chairman BOT, Alhaji Aliyu Badaki who was present to witness the signing ceremony said it was a welcome development as the partnership will enhance tourism development in Nigeria in the creation of new opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the country.The agreement is meant to foster collaboration between HATMAN and ITPN in promoting the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources to advance Nigeria’s tourism sector, it also has among others, embedded in the terms of the MoU, exchange of expertise, execution of joint programmes, engagement in research and development initiatives as well as promotion of industry standards within the travel tourism and hospitality sector of the country.Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, FITPN