What's Happening?
The Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has lauded the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) for its proactive training initiatives aimed at enhancing professionalism within Nigeria's travel trade sector. Dr. Fagade emphasized the importance of aligning NANTA members with global best practices and expressed NIHOTOUR's willingness to support the establishment of a NANTA-focused training academy. This initiative is intended to address issues of quackery and unregulated entry into the profession. NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, highlighted the association's commitment to government-led compliance measures and its efforts to achieve International Air Transport Association (IATA) certification, further enhancing the professional recognition of Nigerian travel trade professionals.
Why It's Important?
The collaboration between NIHOTOUR and NANTA is significant as it aims to elevate the standards of the travel industry in Nigeria, making it more competitive on a global scale. By institutionalizing training and certification processes, the initiative seeks to ensure that only qualified professionals enter the industry, thereby reducing the prevalence of unregulated practices. This move could enhance the reputation of Nigerian travel agencies internationally, potentially leading to increased business opportunities and partnerships. Moreover, aligning with global standards could attract more international tourists and investors, contributing positively to Nigeria's economy.
What's Next?
The next steps involve the formal establishment of the NANTA-focused training academy, which will require collaboration between NIHOTOUR and NANTA to develop a comprehensive curriculum that meets international standards. Additionally, ongoing dialogue with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other regulatory bodies will be crucial to ensure that the new training and certification processes are recognized and enforced. Stakeholders in the travel industry may also need to engage in discussions to address any challenges that arise during the implementation of these new standards.
