Lagos: The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has announced plans to reposition itself as a driving force in the country’s tourism sector after being inactive for nearly 25 years. ATPN President Prince Femi Fadina said this during a breakfast meeting with the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) held recently in Lagos.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Fadina has evaluated the association’s challenges since assuming office in November 2024 and has designed a clear revival roadmap. ATPN’s revival strategy rests on three key pillars: Organic Membership Growth, Capacity Building, and Corporate Sponsorship and Structural Compliance. This involves encouraging practitioners to contribute their expertise, equipping members with relevant training, and streamlining internal processes.
Fadina emphasized the importance of membership compliance, stating that “membership must mean value” and that compliance is non-negotiable. He described ATPN as a “family working through disputes,” with transparency, accountability, and adherence to constitutional principles being central to his leadership. He defined tourism practitioners broadly, including various roles such as travel agents, tour operators, and students.
Fadina shared a personal experience to highlight the need for better welfare and service standards, recounting an encounter with a hotel receptionist in Abuja. He outlined his priorities, including compliance enforcement, structural development, and advocacy for member welfare, drawing from his international experiences and time as Deputy President of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).
Despite the current low number of paying members, Fadina expressed confidence in the association’s future. He assured that by next year, ATPN would be stronger and more capable of influencing tourism policy, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and mentorship in the sector.