By Francis Ogwo
The place of professional conduct in the development of tourism in Nigeria has been brought to the fore as the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) are to partner in boosting the capacity of operators in the sector.
This was made public by the Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Nura Kangiwa on Friday when he played host to officials of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) led by its President, Hajiya Bilkisu Abdul at the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja.
Kangiwa said that in line with the NIHOTOUR’s mandate, operators and practitioners have been urged to explore the opportunities available in the Institution towards boosting compliance with International standards.
According to him, the plan by NATOP for training of its members coicides with the time the Institute has repositioned it’s operations for quality service delivery.
He added that knowledge-based skill acquisition is needful for rejuvenation of the hospitality, travel and tourism sectors and eradicating mediocrity.
While responding, Hajiya Bilkisu Abdul noted that her team requests the partnership of NIHOTOUR towards boosting the skills of operators in service delivery.
Abdul added that as President of NATOP, she was disturbed by the presence of unqualified practitioners in the sector as it is detrimental to the growth and reputation of the industry.
She lamented the degree of damage caused the sector by lack of skills and training while pledging to reposition the operation of the membership.
Also speaking was NATOP’s Association’s Secretary General, Mr Olaniran Owolabi Shaheed who appealed for a short training session for members at their next meeting holding in Abuja to boost their competitive abilities in the International market.
Recall that efforts have been put in place by Tourism stakeholders in making Nigeria’s tourism sector and travel sector more attractive with competence as key element in the new drive.
