Lagos: The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has announced plans to reposition itself as a key driver of the country’s tourism industry after nearly 25 years of inactivity. ATPN President, Femi Fadina, shared this development during a breakfast meeting with the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) in Lagos.
According to Voice of Nigeria, since assuming office in November 2024, Fadina has assessed the association’s challenges and developed a clear roadmap for revival. He emphasized that the revival strategy focuses on three main areas: organic membership growth, capacity building, and corporate sponsorship with structural compliance. Fadina stressed that membership must provide value, stating that compliance is non-negotiable.
Fadina described ATPN as a ‘family working through disputes’ and highlighted that transparency, accountability, and adherence to constitutional principles will guide his leadership. He defined tourism practitioners broadly, including travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, airlines, cultural custodians, and students seeking certification, underscoring the need to support grassroots workers.
Fadina outlined priorities such as compliance enforcement, structural development, onboarding certified practitioners, and advocacy for member welfare. Drawing from his experiences in Gambia, Barbados, South Africa, and 15 years as Deputy President of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), he asserted that Nigeria’s tourism industry could become globally competitive if properly structured.
Although ATPN currently has ‘very few paying members,’ Fadina expressed confidence that by next year, the association will emerge stronger, more structured, and able to influence tourism policy. He added that sustainability is paramount, emphasizing the importance of mentoring young people and ensuring a robust system for the future. Registered in 1992, ATPN remained largely inactive until its revival through fresh elections in November 2024.