The Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Nihotour), Dr Abisoye Fagade has emphasized the need for standards in the hospitality industry to ensure quality and growth.
Speaking at a meeting with the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Travel., the DG noted that the industry has grown significantly, but there is a need for standards to protect consumers and ensure that hospitality/tourism operators meet certain requirements.
Dr Fagade who emphasized government role in providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive , noted that NIHOTOUR serves as the statutory regulatory body for hospitality and tourism practice in Nigeria while assuring that the institute”s mandate is to regulate and ensure standards in the hospitality and tourism industry.
The DG explained that the lack of standards has led to unqualified individuals offering tour packages and other services, which can compromise the quality of services and harm consumers. “People just come out with packages on tour, even banks say they are doing tours,” he said.
To address this challenge, the DG called for the establishment of standards and regulations in the industry. This, he noted, would ensure that hospitality/tourism operators meet certain requirements and provide quality services to consumers. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and idea-sharing among stakeholders to drive growth and development in the industry.
Addressing Perception and Accessibility, the DG acknowledged that there had been a perception that Nihotour was out of reach, but emphasized that the institute is working to address this issue. “I am never out of reach,” he said. “Nobody has reached out to me and I said no.” He noted that the institute has made significant progress in the past nine months, including an independent review of its operations and is committed to transparency and accountability, and that he is always open to feedback and suggestion.
The DG expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with journalists saying, “We have been craving for this day.” He noted that the institute values input from stakeholders and is willing to work collaboratively to drive growth and development in the sector.
Dr. Fagade highlighted several challenges facing the industry, including overlapping duties among tourism agencies and the exploitation of Nigerian staff by foreign firms. He also mentioned the issue of free entry and exit, which needs to be addressed.
The DG discussed the potential for growth in various segments of the tourism industry, including medical tourism, religious tourism, cultural tourism, and education tourism. “Tourism is the art of capturing opportunities in everything we do,” he said. He noted that Nigeria has a lot to offer in these areas and that the institute is working to promote these segments.
The DG emphasized that Nihotour is standing on a sound foundation that will help the industry to thrive. “A foundation that will help the craft to make the most of what they are doing,” he said.
Overall, the meeting between the Nihotour DG and journalists marked a significant step towards promoting collaboration and driving progress in the tourism industry. The DG’s commitment to transparency and accountability, as well as his emphasis on regulation and industry growth, highlights the institute’s dedication to promoting the sector’s development.
Reporting by Chioma Ezike