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 said this during a breakfast meeting with the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) in Lagos.
Since assuming office in November 2024, Fadina said he has assessed the association’s challenges and developed a clear roadmap for revival.
He said “the revival strategy focuses on three main areas: organic membership growth, capacity building, and corporate sponsorship with structural compliance.”
He emphasised that ”membership must provide value…You cannot be part of the association without compliance. Payment is membership, and compliance is non-negotiable.”
Describing ATPN as a “family working through disputes,” Fadina stressed 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, highlighting the need to support grassroots workers.
Fadina outlined priorities including compliance enforcement, structural development, onboarding certified practitioners, and advocacy for member welfare.
Drawing from experiences in Gambia, Barbados, South Africa, and 15 years as Deputy President of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Fadina said 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 non-negotiable. We must mentor young people and hand over a system stronger than we met it. By next year, you will sing a new tune about ATPN.”
Registered in 1992, ATPN remained largely inactive until its revival through fresh elections in November 2024.