Hospitality and tourism industry leaders, policymakers, consultants, and professionals have underscored the need for professionalism, strategic partnerships, manpower development, and innovation as critical factors for the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The call was made during the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), Conference and Induction Ceremony of the Association of Hospitality and Tourism Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON), held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel and Towers.

The event, which attracted leading Nigerian and international professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry, featured discussions on improving efficiency and competitiveness within the sector. The conference was themed, “Resolving Inefficiency Through Strategic Synergy and Manpower Optimisation: The Case for Management Consultation.”

In his welcome address, ATHCON President, Pastor Olatunde Olaitan Oluloye, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting professionalism, raising industry standards, encouraging knowledge sharing, and strengthening collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.

Oluloye emphasized that sustainable profitability in the hospitality industry depends significantly on investments in human capital. According to him, while infrastructure and technology provide the framework for service delivery, people remain the most important drivers of success.

“Buildings and technology create the platform for service delivery, but it is skilled, motivated, and well-supported personnel who transform these assets into value,” he said.

He stressed the need for continuous investment in staff training, professional development, employee engagement, and welfare programmes, noting that organizations that prioritize human resource development are more likely to achieve long-term success and improved service delivery.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, commended ATHCON for its consistent efforts in advancing professionalism and capacity development within Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem.

Awakan noted that collaboration, innovation, and a highly skilled workforce are indispensable to achieving sustainable tourism growth in the country. He urged stakeholders across the tourism value chain to strengthen partnerships, build institutional capacities, and adopt innovative approaches capable of improving service delivery and creating employment opportunities.

According to him, enhancing operational efficiency and service standards would significantly improve Nigeria’s competitiveness as a tourism destination while contributing to annational economic growth.

Similarly, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr. Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, highlighted the importance of innovation, collaboration, strategic planning, and effective utilization of human capital in driving long-term industry growth.

Badaki observed that inefficiency remains one of the major challenges limiting competitiveness and discouraging investment in the tourism and hospitality sector. He stressed the need for stronger institutional frameworks and professional management consulting services to improve organizational performance and operational effectiveness.

A major highlight of the conference was the induction of a new set of Honorary Fellows, Fellows, and Members into the association.

The newly inducted Honorary Fellows are Mallam Abdullahi Idris, Rosana Forsuelo, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, and Trevor Ward. Those inducted as Fellows include Olugbenga Sunday, Abolaji Kelani, Solomon Uwakwe, and Pius Obaje.

New members inducted into the association are Ebikaboere Seimodei, Funke Olusoga-Ogunlade, Joy Nyeso, Olufemi Olowoyo, Florence Oyelade Adedayo-Tayo, Sunday Omogoye Sampson, Sharafa Balogun, and Chibuikem Diala.

During the ceremony, speakers emphasized the role of ATHCON as the apex professional body representing leading local and international experts in hospitality and tourism consulting. They noted that the association remains committed to advancing professional excellence, promoting industry standards, supporting policy development, encouraging research, and fostering sustainable growth across the tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

The AGM also witnessed the election of seasoned journalist and tourism professional, Paul Ukpabio, as the association’s new Public Relations Officer (PRO).

Ukpabio brings extensive experience in tourism advocacy and professional development. He is a professional member of several industry bodies, including the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR National Alumni Executive Committee), the Technical Committee on Tourism and Related Services of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Institute for Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ITPN), and the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET).

At the end of the conference, ATHCON reaffirmed its commitment to promoting excellence, professionalism, innovation, and sustainable development across Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The association pledged to continue supporting industry growth through effective communication, collaboration, research, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector and positioning Nigeria as a competitive tourism destination.