Tourism association set to submit bill to National Assembly

The Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) on Tuesday expressed readiness to change the fortune of tourism business in the country if its draft bill passes into Law.

The HATMAN’s President, Mr Aliyu Badaki, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Badaki, however, announced that HATMAN was collaborating with other tourism associations in drafting the bill on tourism, stressing the need to enhance professionalism in the sector.

“HATMAN in collaboration with other tourism associations is currently drafting a proposed bill.

“As soon as we are through with the draft, we are going to present it to the current National Assembly,” he said.

Badaki also said that improper and outdated legislation has contributed to why there is stagnation and unprofessional attitude in the industry.

He, however, said that the proposed bill, if submitted and pass into law would enhance development and professionalism to the tourism sector.

The president also urged government to appoint people with passion for tourism into positions of authority that concerns tourism.

“Government should appoint tourism experts as Minister of Tourism and Culture and Directors-General to head parastatals under the ministry.

“When such are done, tourism in the country will witness the needed development.

“We believe that when proper laws are in place, Nigerian tourist sites will be the preferred destination choice of tourists from around the world,” Badaki said.