The President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr. Yinka Folami, has expressed optimism that the dollarisation of the aviation sector will soon become a thing of the past. According to him, the era of selling airline tickets in foreign currency is gradually coming to an end as the government works to address the underlying challenges in the sector.

Speaking on Creative Nigeria, a cultural and tourism programme aired on Mainland 98.3 FM, Lagos, and hosted by award-winning journalist Frank Meke alongside Bunmi Bade-Adeniji, Mr. Folami reaffirmed that “there is no need to sell in foreign currency again,” describing the practice as an outdated system that will soon fade out in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

He urged Nigerians to support Air Peace as a national pride, emphasizing that the outlook for the nation’s aviation industry remains stable and promising.

During the engaging discussion, the NANTA president described cross-border trading in foreign currency as “a crime against the economy.” He praised Air Peace for “taking the bull by the horns” by launching its London route, calling it a patriotic responsibility for Nigerians to support and pray for the airline’s success and sustainability.

 “Those of us in the aviation space understand that until we have a strong Nigerian carrier to stand in the gap, these issues will persist. I am happy to inform Nigerians that the government is squarely addressing the issue of ticket sales in foreign currency, and that is the latest update on the matter,” Folami said.

He commended the federal government’s ongoing reforms and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)  for stabilizing the naira and promoting transparency in the foreign exchange market.

 “The outlook for Nigeria is stable, and even the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have commended the economic policies of this government. The gap between the official and parallel market rates is closing, liquidity has improved, and there is more transparency in the process,” he added.

Folami emphasized the need for stakeholders in the aviation and travel sectors to complement government efforts through proactive collaboration.

 “We must congratulate the government, but the best way to do that is for us — industry players — to give life to whatever the government is doing. The government will not come into our sector to make the change; it is our responsibility to build on the progress already made,” he said.

The NANTA president noted that the association has over 3,500 members, with 70% of them being youths. He maintained that government reforms at the micro level can translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians if more citizens are encouraged to patronize local travel agencies and airlines.

However, he lamented that the sale of tickets in foreign currency still excludes many NANTA-certified members from direct trade with airlines despite their international qualifications.

In his contribution, Mr. Yusuf Babalola, a journalist with expertise in the aviation industry, pointed out that the challenge has always been the implementation of government policies. He said despite reforms, several foreign airlines continue to charge in dollars — a practice the government is aware of.

 “No airline is being owed; they make their money and repatriate it. Yet, they keep doing what they’re doing,” Babalola said, sharing an example from his experience in Japan. “In Japan, it is against the law to spend foreign currency. From entry, you must exchange your money for Yen. It’s even considered a sin to spend the dollar in Japan. We need political will to enforce similar policies here.”

Another journalist, Chinelo Agina-Obogo, cited Section 20(5) of the CBN Act of 2007, which makes it an offence for any individual or organization to accept the dollar as a means of payment within Nigeria. She emphasized that enforcement remains the key issue for relevant government agencies.

Also speaking, Mr. Chinedu Eze commended Air Peace for its Lagos–Heathrow route, describing it as a major milestone that showcases Nigerian culture and tourism. He, however, criticized the inconsistency of government policies, which sometimes enable foreign airlines to flout local laws.

 “What makes Air Peace’s London operations special is the government’s full support. Without that, local airlines cannot attain such heights. However, some foreign airlines use public relations tactics to sway narratives in their favour. The government must remain firm in supporting local carriers,” Eze said.

Program host Frank Meke also praised Air Peace for its resilience, calling on stakeholders to uphold fairness and transparency in the aviation sector.

The traditional ruler of Owode kingdom, Ogun State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Wasiu Akani Ogungbayi, the Onitetiku of Owode, has called for the preservation and documentation of Awori history and culture, describing it as vital to sustaining community identity and pride.

The monarch made the call during a surprise visit to the Oba Fadina Centre for Creativity and Development in Ota — a new institution dedicated to preserving Awori cultural memory and historical records.

Touring the facility, Oba Ogungbayi expressed deep admiration for the growing collection of documents chronicling significant royal and historical moments in Aworiland, including the removal and return of Oba Timothy Oloyede Fadina Olagorioye II to the throne.

“I am very impressed with what I see here.

“This is not just preservation — it is the rebirth of our memory. I am proud of the tourism icon our community now possesses,” the monarch said.

The royal father, known for his commitment to cultural heritage, noted that the Centre represents “a priceless testament to royal endurance and the power of record.”

Welcoming the monarch, Prince Femi Fadina, Founder and President of the Oba Fadina Foundation, described the visit as a royal endorsement of the ongoing work to sustain Awori heritage. 

He also disclosed that the official unveiling of the Centre would soon hold.

“This is grassroots work.

“It shows that culture is truly local,” Prince Fadina stated. 

He added: “I take this as a clarion call to all Awori Obas — we must rise to document and preserve our cultural content before time silences our story.”

According to Prince Fadina, the Foundation is already engaging local youths and National Youth Service Corps members across Ado-Odo/Ota, instilling in them “the discipline and pride of documentation.”

The Oba Fadina Centre for Creativity and Development continues to position itself as a hub for cultural education, documentation, and tourism in Aworiland, aligning with broader efforts to preserve Nigeria’s royal and communal heritage.

Former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has bagged the award of Pillar of Nigerian Culture and Tourism.

The award was conferred on him by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), the umbrella body for Nigerian travel press, on Thursday, October 23 at a colourful ceremony held at the prestigious Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers.

He was among some distinguished Nigerians from public and private sectors, including the former Nigerian Minister of Tourism and Culture, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, who were honoured for their contributions to the growth and development of Nigerian tourism.  

Other distinguished Nigerians conferred with awards were: Otunba Wanle Akinboboye (Foremost National Tourism Builder and Creative Mind), Mr. Jemi Alade (National Trailblazer in Inbound Tour Operation) Engineer Tarzan Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun (National Icon in Tourist Boat Operations and Water Transportation), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung (Icon of Consistency and Resilience in National Tourism Leadership), and Chief Abimbola Bode-Thomas (Hospitality and Tourism Management Amazon).   

Speaking on the award conferred on Runsewe and the other awardees, the President of ANJET Mr. Okorie Uguru said the awards aim to promote the culture of service to the people, and also showing appreciation to those who have served the nation with distinction while holding public office.

He said: “It is not about celebrating those who are serving the country now, but showing appreciation to those who have served in the past,  to challenge current political office holders to put in their best.

“The individuals and distinguished Nigerians we are honouring are among the people that built the visibility and growth the  tourism industry is enjoying today… They have contributed, and are still contributing to the sector.

“As holders of institutional memories and archivists of this industry, we know the roles they have played and are still playing in the development of the Nigerian tourism industry. That is why years after some of our awardees have left public offices, we still call them to bestow this honours.”

While receiving the award, Runsewe lamented the inability of Nigeria to take tourism seriously. He said: “I stopped talking for some time because there are too many talks in tourism, there is no action. We come; we speak big English and go back. Today, I am going to reveal two or three things. The last time I came out was to speak to the new executives of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).  For me, I am almost tired of talking, because there is no action.  

“Let me first of all thank Ambassador Ogbuewu today. He said he does not want to come, I urged him to come. It is only the living that can be celebrated. Let us thank God that during our lifetime, we are being celebrated. It is not everybody that has that opportunity.

“I can Stand anywhere and talk about this industry. I do not need a book.

“Ambassador Ogbuewu you would recollect that President Obasanjo took your very good self, led a delegation to Trinidad and Tobago. That was the day Obasanjo made a statement, he said ‘I going to stand on the existing protocol’. That was the first time they heard that English. The then president of Trinidad asked, ‘what is he talking about.’ That is a tourism brand.

“People do not understand tourism yet. People think it is only about moving from one place to the other. No. Let me reveal a few things: how many of us know the late Pastor T.B. Joshua. T.B. Joshua was selling religious tourism and nobody keyed into it? When T. B. Joshua was having his conference in Nigeria, there were over 20 private jets parked at the airport. I, may be you do not know before today, I normally go the airport to list how many countries they come from. I have my data. There is religious tourism in Nigeria. We have not tapped into it. We see them as pastors. Yes, pastors doing their job, but there is tourism content in what they are doing.

“If this country manages tourism well, we should not have a single child looking for job. After agriculture, tourism is the biggest employer of labour, but we are still playing games, we are still telling ourselves stories.”  

He thanked ANJET for the award and encouraged them to continue with the good work in the industry.

The Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) has announced plans to award distinguished individuals who have contributed to the development of tourism in Nigeria in what it tagged “Celebrating Institutional Memory and Legacy. The award will focus on Institutions and individuals who have played a huge role in the tourism industry. The event is scheduled to be held on the 23rd of October, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking on Creative Nigeria, a cultural tourism program aired on Mainland 98.3 FM Lagos and hosted by award-winning journalists Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade Adeniji, the President of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), Okorie Uguru, said that the event was born out of the passion to reward and celebrate individuals and institutions who had contributed to tourism development in Nigeria, like the former Minister of Tourism, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, who served as the Tourism Minister under Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2004, and Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, who served as the former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture between 2018 – 2024.Others include Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, Chief Abimbola Bode-Thomas, Dr. Tarzan Ganiyu Balogun, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye and Mr. Jemi Alade.

He added, “We are looking at the tourism Industry and incidentally, Sheraton Hotel Lagos will be celebrating forty years (40 years) of refining the hospitality industry, from 1985 – 2025. It will provide us with the opportunity to look at the impact of the International hospitality brand on the development of tourism and the Nigerian economy in General.

He stressed the need for government support in the industry, stating that ANJET has enjoyed more support from some private sector and collaborative efforts from members, Sheraton and some private individuals within the tourism industry.

Okorie further added that ANJET has been in existence for over three decades, and members have played their role in reforming the association. He said, “ANJET cuts across every individual and Journalist that is involved in writing Tourism across the different media platforms in Nigeria, from the mainstream, newspapers, electronic media, and online Media. Our goal is to talk about Nigeria’s tourism and ways to move it forward.” He noted.

Some key dignitaries, including the former Minister of Tourism, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, and Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture. Otunba Runsewe will be honoured with the Nigeria Pillars of Tourism and Culture. Otunba Olusegun Runsewe will be awarded for his contributions to the development of tourism and cultural space in Nigeria.

Also, AJET will be celebrating and honouring Chief Abimbola Bode Thomas, and Mr Jamie Alade, Nigeria’s foremost Tour Operator, who started in 1977, one of the leading names in resort development in Nigeria, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who founded the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, and the Nigerian boatman who has contributed to Tourism and Maritime development in Nigeria, Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun, who is the CEO of Tarzan Marine Enterprises.

Okorie Uguru, who is also the Publisher of Africa Travel Herald, said that ANJET is like an archive to society, acting as the eye of society. He said, “What we do is to simply record as archivists, we take records, we keep memories, and we push them to society.”

He emphasized the role the Sheraton Hotel has played in the development of hospitality in Nigeria. He said, “Sheraton is the foremost brand in Nigeria. As of 1985, the number of International property brands in Nigeria was not so many, and many of them did not put their footprint to develop tourism and hospitality in Nigeria, but Sheraton took the risk, came in, and has done wonderfully well. This award is held annually, and what we tell Political office holders and individuals who have been contributing is that we are watching and we will reward your contributions to the industry. ” He noted.

Speaking at the sidelines of the program on the OminBus Boat that was launched by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), the representative of the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), Chief Raymond Gold, said that the Lagos State Government has been making efforts to develop the waterways and integrate water transport into a multi-transport system, and WABOTAN has been part of the discussion on the OminBus and the Omi Eko Project which is in partnership with Agence franchise d Development (AFD) the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union.

Chief Raymond Gold said WABOTAN members need the support of the government to upgrade their craft and boat, although members have the capacity, but boat maintenance and upgrade require huge capital, and the best way to achieve this is to partner with the government.

“We train our members doing our programs, and we discuss strategy in our program, which is an annual event. With the removal of fuel subsidy, our boats have been on the water, and we have helped to reduce traffic in Lagos state. We encourage Lagosians to use the water because we have improved our safety measures.”

The National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) and Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Tarzan Marine Enterprises, Dr. Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun, has commended the Federal Government for its efforts to develop the Nigerian water waterways and make them safer, and for supporting the tourism industry. He, however, called for greater government support to develop these sectors.

Mr. Balogun was speaking when a delegation of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) paid him a courtesy visit to present to him an ANJET award notification letter.  ANJET plans honouring him for years of dedicated service to the Nigerian tourism industry.  

Speaking on nomination for the award, the ATBOWATON President explained that he accepted the award coming from ANJET because of members of the association’s vast knowledge of the industry and those that have contributed in shaping it.

 Balogun, a prominent figure in the maritime and tourism industries, thanked ANJET for believing in him, honouring and supporting him in the industry. He stated that if the government wants to encourage the operators in the business, those on ground should be encouraged and supported as well as whomever that is showing interest in the business as well.

He advised the government against killing the operators already in existence in the industry so that they can pave ways for their friends, or their brothers to come in.

According to him, “Some of the civil servants don’t like the truth because it doesn’t favor them. Most of the things they do is because of what they can get as a personal interest. So for that reason, it’s depreciating, revising and bringing tourism backward a bit because those who are doing the tourism business are not encouraged”.

Balogun mentioned People like Sarat  Braimoh of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, who always wants to do things the way they should be done, regardless of who is concerned.

He commended the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for providing 42000 free life jackets for boat operators.

He said: “You cannot enter Tarzan boats without life jacket. What is the excuse for that now?. The government has given us life jackets. Beside the one I bought, I’ve just sent a supply of 150 life jackets about three months ago before the federal government own.

“In addition to this, over the years, my association, ATBOWATON was the first that started enforcement of life jackets for all the passengers on our members’ boats. That was at Mekwen jetty by Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos.”

He called on all boat operators in the country to support government by doing the right things on the waterways (making sure passengers wear life jackets).

Balogun narrated how he advocated for the establishment of a filling station on the waterways for boat operators during a meeting with President Obasanjo in Aso Rock.

Balogun narrated further that: “They didn’t give us fuel station here. But at least, they gave it to some other places.

“What I’m trying to say is that, after he left there, the successive government supposed to continue from where he stopped. Now go to those places, there’s no fuel there.

At personal level, as part of my company’s corporate social responsibility, I used to ferry students in Lagos from Tarkwa Bay to Lagos and back free when I was living there. When I moved to Lagos, I was doing the same at Eleke Crescent Victoria Island until I moved to Maroko, opposite Oniru Estate. I am now in Badore, I still ferry students in uniform, police, navy and army personnel in uniform free, up till today”.

Presenting the nomination letter, ANJET President Okorie Uguru applauded Balogun for his continuous support for the promotion of safety and growth of water transportation in Nigeria.

He said Balogun was meritoriously chosen for the award based on his pedigree in promoting the growth of water transportation and tourism in the country.

Speaking also, a renowned travel and tourism journalist, Frank Meke, thanked Tarzan Balogun for his contribution to the growth of water transportation and tourism in the country.

Meke noted that Balogun has the institutional memory of transformation of the water transportation business in country.

“When we talk about people like this, they should at least listen and learn for his experience, because he has the memory of it all.  Tarzan is an enigma. He’s an institution”, Meke said.

He said Tarzan Balogun has touched lives in the industry which is why God is keeping him alive

He stated that the history of water transportation in Nigeria cannot be complete without the mention of Tarzan Balogun

He thanked ANJET for recognizing and honouring Tarzan Balogun, adding that he’s proud be associated with him.

Nigeria’s trajectory of skills transfer has evolved significantly, progressing from traditional, informal apprenticeship systems to the more structured National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).

This evolution underscores a national shift toward fostering economic growth, empowering youth, and building a skilled workforce for the future.

Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, in his drive to advance the industry, at a recent forum, welcomed the commitment of stakeholders in the Travel, Tourism, Hospitality and Allied Trades to skills development and capacity building dectory. 

He emphasized NIHOTOUR’s readiness, as the nation’s Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council, to champion initiatives that professionalize the sector and raise industry standards.

Dr. Fagade reiterated the critical importance of skills acquisition over reliance on academic paper qualifications, particularly in the travel, tourism, and hospitality value chain. 

Equipping young people with employable skills, he noted, is key to diverting them from social vices, strengthening national security, and addressing pressing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, social instability, and insecurity.

A further boost to the skills agenda came with the circular issued by the Head of Service of the Federation last year, which conveyed the approval by the National Council on Establishment for the inclusion of National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Levels in the Scheme of Service across all public service sectors.

This policy recognizes that persons trained in any skill area, with qualifications from Levels 1–6, are employable and can be placed on salary grades corresponding to their certified competencies.

Explaining the framework, the DG highlighted that the NSQF is anchored on National Occupational Standards (NOS), statements of competence and performance required in specific job roles, alongside the necessary underpinning knowledge. 

This, he noted, reinforces the vital role of the Sector Skills Council (SSC) and Awarding Bodies (ABs) in workforce development for travel, tourism, hospitality, and allied trades.Established in 2015, the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSON), coordinated by NIHOTOUR, is mandated to engage employers and industry stakeholders to identify skills gaps, develop, validate, and implement NOS nationwide.

The DG disclosed further that 12 key areas have been identified and their NOS developed and approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the sector. These, he added, include: Airport and Passenger Service Operations, Event Handling Operations Food Preparation, Packaging, and Dispatch, Food and Beverage Production, Food Safety Services, Food and Beverage Service, Front Office Operations, Housekeeping Operations, Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Operations, Tour Operations, Travel Agency Operations, Travel and Tourism Advisory Services.

These NOS, according to him, are subsequently developed into National Skills Qualifications by the designated Sectoral Awarding Body.

Continuing , the NIHOTOUR boss stressed that the functionality of the SSC relies on strong collaboration between the NBTE, which approves the NOS, and The Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) the Awarding Body, which develops qualifications for nationwide implementation. 

“The entire system is designed to give trainees access to knowledge-based, practical skills and workplace ethics rooted in established occupational standards,” he noted.

The Awarding Body, he stressed, go beyond issuing certificates, they are custodians of quality assurance and industry relevance. They set and enforce standards across training institutions, thereby safeguarding educational integrity and ensuring qualifications meet labour market demands.

To enhance effectiveness, Fagade outlined that the ‘SSC must be strengthened through strong institutional support, robust industry linkages, up-to-date skills standards, continuous capacity building, effective advocacy, and rigorous monitoring.’

“The Awarding Body must ensure credibility, global benchmarking, strong quality assurance systems, digital innovation, active industry engagement, and visible policy advocacy to establish itself as the trusted authority for professionalising travel, tourism, and hospitality.

Looking ahead, analysts envision a Nigeria empowered by a highly skilled, adaptable, and entrepreneurial workforce, capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic global economy. 

They posit that such a workforce will not only reduce unemployment but also drive national development and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.

On attaining the target goals of the NSQF in the sector, Fagade opined that it requires the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including, government, industry, educational institutions, and the awarding body. 

“Sustained investment in skills development is not just an educational cost, but a strategic national investment, a pathway to dignity, productivity, and prosperity for all Nigerians,” he stressed.

Prince Femi Fadina

A legal practitioner and the Director General of the Ekiti State Tourism Bureau, Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre, has described the purported suspension of democratically elected president of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) Prince Femi Fadina as illegal and an exercise in futility.

Sharing his thoughts on the issue, Ojo-Lanre wrote: “The purported suspension of a democratically elected President of an Association by the Board of Trustees (BOT) is unconstitutional, ultra vires, illegal, and utterly null and void.”

Ojo-Lanre said Nigeria is a country governed by law, not by whims, and that associations, especially in the tourism sector should not be allowed to descend into anarchy or be run on personal impulses.

“The BOT, by law and by convention, is vested with custodial responsibility over the assets and properties of the association. Its powers are limited to holding property in trust, ensuring continuity of the Association’s legal personality, and serving as a fiduciary backbone. Nowhere in the Constitution of most associations, nor in the relevant provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), is the BOT conferred with the authority to interfere in the day-to-day administration of the Association, much less to suspend an elected executive officer.

“The BOT stands in a fiduciary relationship with the Association; it is not a parallel executive organ. To assume such power is a gross abuse of process, a violation of democratic norms, and a travesty of justice.

“If indeed the President—or in this case, Mr. Fadina—has erred, there exists a clear, lawful, and legitimate procedure for discipline. Such action must be initiated by the appropriate executive or disciplinary body, and where necessary, ratified by the Annual General Meeting (AGM), which remains the supreme authority of the Association. Any deviation from this procedure amounts to illegality, nullity, and executive recklessness,” he said.

He concluded by saying: “This purported act of the BOT is therefore: an abuse of process, and a slap on the rule of law, and an attempted usurpation of powers that do not belong to it.”

He advised: “The BOT must immediately retrace its steps, respect its statutory limits, and allow due process to prevail.”

The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has debunked the news circulating that there has been a change in leadetship, describing it as fake.

In a release by the National Executive Council (NEC), ATPN described the news as false saying members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) lacks the constitutional power to remove the president. The press release said: “The attention of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has been drawn to a misleading and unconstitutional notice circulating under the guise of “Leadership Transition.”

“For the avoidance of doubt and in defense of truth, equity, and the sanctity of our constitution: Prince Adetunji Femi Fadina remains the duly elected and authentic President of ATPN.

“The so-called “suspension” and purported “succession protocol” being peddled by some individuals is nothing but an illegality, a contrived narrative without constitutional backing, evidence, or the mandate of members. The Board of Trustees (BOT), while custodians of our heritage, are not proprietors of the association, and thus lack the powers to suspend or appoint a President. Such authority resides squarely within the constitutional processes of the National Executive Council and the General Assembly.

We therefore declare unequivocally that any announcement of an “Acting President” is null, void, and of no effect. This desperate attempt to impose a parallel leadership structure is an affront to due process, an assault on the integrity of ATPN, and a direct violation of the will of practitioners who freely elected Prince Fadina.

“Let it be on record that the courts, and not propaganda, shall ultimately interpret the constitution. Until then, Prince Fadina stands not only as President in law, but also in truth, in mandate, and in spirit—committed to restoring order, equity, and prosperity to the tourism industry.

“We call on all members, partners, and stakeholders to disregard the falsehood of a “new leadership” and continue to rally behind the authentic National Executive Council under the firm leadership of Prince Adetunji Femi Fadina.

“Tourism in Nigeria deserves clarity, not confusion. It deserves service, not selfishness. And it deserves leaders chosen by practitioners, not imposed by intrigue.

Prince Fadina is, and remains, the President of ATPN,” it concluded.

 The 2025 Global Summit of  World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) kicked off  today, Monday, September 29, in the Eternal City of Rome, the Italian capital.

The event opened  with an opening press conference at the architecturally impressive Auditorium Parco della Musica, featuring WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara, WTTC Chair Greg O’Hara, WTTC Chair-Elect Manfredi Levebvfre, Italian Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè, President of Lazio Francesco Rocca, and Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri.

Across the next three days, more than one thousand delegates, including 310 CEOs and Chairs, will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Travel and Tourism.

This year’s Summit programme will include sessions focusing on bolstering economic growth and job creation, to the power of Artificial intelligence and seamless travel.

The event will also shine a light on investment opportunities in Italy, and trends such as wellness and sport tourism, luxury rail travel, and the benefits of hosting global mega events.

WTTC will also be launching its latest new reports including Future of the Travel & Tourism Workforce, which highlights how governments, businesses, and educators can work together to prepare for the future, and its 2025 Environmental & Impact Research.

The Summit will feature an extraordinary line-up of speakers, including Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who will deliver the keynote at tomorrow’s opening ceremony.

Other high-profile voices include Italy’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Daniela Santanchè; Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency, Ahmed Al-Khateeb; Deputy Malta Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Ian Borg; and the newly elected UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, and CEOs and Chairs from the world’s biggest Travel & Tourism businesses.

WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara said: “As we welcome the WTTC Global Summit to Rome today, Italy is not only showcasing a thriving Travel & Tourism sector, set to contribute more than €237BN to the economy this year, it’s also demonstrating true global leadership.

 “From hosting the historic G7 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting last year to welcoming the world again this week, Italy is setting the benchmark for how tourism can power economies, create jobs, and inspire global collaboration.”

Daniela Santanchè, Minister of Tourism added: “We are proud to host the WTTC summit in Italy for the first time — a sign of our Country’s renewed centrality, thanks to the work of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has restored strength, stability, and security to Italy.

 “These are essential factors that enhance our credibility on the international stage, allowing Italy to once again play a leading role globally. Italy is not only one of the most fascinating and sought-after tourist destinations in the world — holding the European record for conference tourism and leading the outdoor hospitality sector — but it also stands as a crucial hub of opportunity for the growth of the industry.

 “This summit serves as a highly strategic showcase, with the primary goal of attracting investment and highlighting the immense potential of our cultural, culinary, and landscape heritage. Furthermore, the event will foster constructive dialogue among key players in the sector, an essential element for implementing effective policies and supporting the competitiveness and growth of Italian tourism on a global scale.”

Greg O’Hara, WTTC Chair said: “This Summit brings together the very best of our sector at a pivotal moment for global Travel and Tourism. Here in Rome, against the backdrop of Italy’s extraordinary growth story, we are reminded of the power of our industry to unite people, drive investment, and create opportunity on a scale few others can match.

 “The conversations we will have over the coming days will help chart the course for a sector that is not only breaking records but shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.”

Greg O’Hara, WTTC Chair said: “This Summit brings together the very best of our sector at a pivotal moment for global Travel & Tourism. Here in Rome, against the backdrop of Italy’s extraordinary growth story, we are reminded of the power of our industry to unite people, drive investment, and create opportunity on a scale few others can match.

 “The conversations we will have over the coming days will help chart the course for a sector that is not only breaking records but shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.”

Manfredi Lefebvre, WTTC Chair-Elect, commented: “As we gather here in Rome, my beloved city, for the WTTC Global Summit, I am reminded of the incredible potential our industry holds. Italy, with its rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit, not only stands as a beacon of tourism but also as a model for collaboration and growth. This summit is a unique opportunity for us to share insights, forge partnerships, and drive forward the agenda of sustainable development within our sector.

 “As chairman, I want to be the voice in tourism that unites us, rendering me to the service of the travel industry and WTTC’s members. Together, we can harness the collective strength of our members to ensure that tourism continues to flourish and create lasting positive impacts for communities around the globe.”

More than 18 years after he presided over affairs at the Nigerian Ministry of Tourism and Culture, former minister Ambassador Franklin Nchita Ogbuewu will be among the award recipients at the 2025 ANJET Conference and Award. The event is expected to be held at Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers on Thursday, October 23.

Other personalities to be honoured at the award include: Otunba Segun Runsewe, former Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC); Chief Abimbola Bode-Thomas-a very active voice in the tourism space in the 90’s and early 2000, Mr. Jemi Alade, Nigeria’s foremost tour operator; Tarzan Balogun, pioneer tourism-boat operator; Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, ex-FTAN president, foremost Destination Cross River and Experience Ibom promoter through his Remlords Group;  Mr. Trevor Ward, CEO of W Hospitality, international consultant on Nigerian tourism and hospitality industry.

Also top international and local hospitality brands that have contributed to the growth of the Nigerian tourism and hospitality industry will be honoured. They include: Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers, Eko Hotel and Suites,  Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos Airport Hotel, Premier Hotel Ibadan, La Campagne Tropicana Resort, Ikegun Lagos, and Festival Hotel Festac Lagos (former Durbar Hotel).

Speaking at the conference and awards, ANJET President Okorie Uguru said. “This year’s conference and award is to celebrate resilience, excellence and positive contributions to the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry in Nigeria. 

“Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers came into the Nigerian hospitality space when many international brands were still skeptical about the country. The brand helped to build Nigeria as a business and leisure destination, for the brand to still be waxing strong after 40 years, calls for celebration.

“All the hotels and resort we are honouring have stood the test of time and passed through difficult times, but are still standing. We know a hotel like Premier Hotel Ibadan is reinventing itself through physical upgrades of facilities. That is why we are honouring it.”

Among the awardees that have received their notification letter is Mr. Jemi Alade, Nigeria’s foremost tour operator. Alade expressed happiness for the award and said he was elated to be remembered after so many years.