LAA, NANTA seek professionalism in travel, tourism

Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA) and National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) have urged practitioners to embrace professionalism in the travel and tourism industry.

The duo, at a reception in honour of Nigeria’s overall best student in IATA’s Foundation in Travel and Tourism course, Timothy Agboola, in Lagos recently, said the practitioners had a lot to unlock in travel and tourism through knowledge acquisition and best practices.

Academy Director at LAA, Bankole Bernard, said professionalism is the first step to share prosperity and upturn fortunes of the industry.

Bernard said LAA was set up to drive professionalism and fill knowledge gaps in the industry.

“Today, it feels good to know that the Nigerian travel and tourism industry is in the good hands of those we have been able to train, coupled with the commitment and interests of the younger generation in that space.”

Applauding Agboola on his outstanding performance, Bernard said: “We are proud of your achievement. This surely is a reward of hard work and excellent performance. You have not only made yourself proud but you have made Lagos Aviation Academy proud too with this feat.”

President of NANTA, Susan Akporiaye, said despite the devastating effects of the COVID-19, tourism provides a new field of opportunities for travel agencies to explore and survive.

Addressing the awardee, Akporiaye said: “I want you to know that the aviation industry is vast and viable. The industry is so wide; we have aviation lawyers, we have those into medical tourism and so on. The travel and tourism aspect of the industry is one where you work while also deriving pleasure. I am happy that you have chosen this path and I wish you the very best in your endeavours.”
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