Resolving Inefficiency through Strategic Synergy and Manpower Optimization which is the theme of the 2026 Annual General Meeting, AGM and Induction Ceremony of the Association of Tourism and Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON) captured the essence of the AGM in the area of manpower development, collarboration, trust, and strategic relationships in the tourism industry.
It has become imperative that the industry resolve inefficiency through strategic synergy and collarboration which the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria FTAN, has been championing through strategic engagements and partnership with key tourism stakeholders aimed at moving the sector forward.
The theme of the AGM and induction ceremony in this regard was apt as it offered the stakeholders the opportunity to brainstorm and work in synergy in harnessing the Manpower development of the tourism industry.
In his remarks at the event, the President Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN,
Alh. Badaki Aliyu observed that resolving Inefficiency through strategic synergy and manpower optimization: Case for Management Consultation,” is relevant to the realities confronting the tourism, hospitality, and travel industry today.
Badaki maintained that in an increasingly competitive
and dynamic environment, organizations can no longer rely solely on traditional approaches to management and service delivery.
He pointed out that sustainable growth requires innovation, collaboration, strategic planning, and the effective utilization of human capital.
According to him, an industry must recognize that inefficiency remains one of the major barriers to competitiveness, productivity, and investment attraction.
Badaki observed that addressing these challenges
demands greater synergy among stakeholders, stronger institutional frameworks, and the deployment of professional management consulting services that can provide objective insights, improve operational systems, and drive organizational excellence.
He noted that ATHCON has continued to play a vital role in promoting professionalism, capacity building and best practices within the tourism and hospitality ecosystem.
FTAN President explained that through its commitment
to management consultation and human resource development, the association contributes significantly to the strengthening of businesses and institutions across the sector.
Badaki stated that as FTAN continues to champion collaboration among tourism stakeholders, the body has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with ATHCON and other industry bodies in fostering a more
efficient, resilient, and globally competitive tourism industry in Nigeria.
While congratulating the new members inducted into the association, Badaki urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, competence and service excellence.
In his words: “The future of our industry depends on dedicated professionals who are willing to provide the expertise and leadership needed to transform organizations and drive sustainable growth.”
In his goodwill Message at the AGM and Induction Ceremony, the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, NTDA, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan commended ATHCON for its unwavering commitment to advancing professionalism, capacity development, and industry excellence within Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem.
Dr. Awakan pointed out that as the agency charged with driving tourism development, promotion, and destination competitiveness in Nigeria, the Nigerian Tourism
Development Authority (NTDA) recognizes that strategic partnerships among government, professional bodies, private sector operators, and consultants are critical to unlocking the immense potential of our tourism economy.
He encouraged all stakeholders to continue fostering productive partnerships, strengthening institutional capacities, and embracing innovative approaches that will enhance service delivery, improve industry standards, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a preferred tourism destination in Africa and beyond.
In his welcome address earlier, Mr. Olatunde Oluloye, President, ATHCON stated that its mission to promote
professionalism, uphold industry standards, encourage knowledge sharing, and foster collaboration between
the public and private sectors thereby creating an environment that supports sustainable growth and profitability is refl ected in the theme of the conference.
Oluloye noted that the theme is particularly apt in this era of rapid technological advancement and innovation, where automation and artificial intelligence are increasingly reshaping the workplace.
He explained that while these have their place in the industry, they cannot replace the human touch that defines service excellence, adding that many hotel
and tourism investors devote substantial resources to physical infrastructure and equipment, yet often underinvest in the true engine of profitability – the
workforce.
ATCON President emphasised that
buildings and technology create the platform for service delivery, but it is skilled, motivated, and well-supported personnel who transform these assets into value.
In his words, “This underscores the need for continuous investment in human capital through training, professional development, employee engagement, and staff welfare. Equally important is addressing the high staff turnover that continues to challenge many hospitality and tourism operations, often resulting in the loss of valuable knowledge, expertise, and institutional memory”.
Oluloye said the conference provides an opportunity to critically examine the role of human capital in hospitality operations.
In his presentation titled: ATHCON – “The Future Now” Mr. Adedayo Adesugba stated that the Association exists to
promote the interests of Nigerian tourism and hospitality consultants.
Adesugba emphasised that in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving industry, consultants must not only be visible but also valued as strategic contributors to business success, destination development, policy formation, and service innovation.
He said: “We must continue to advocate for the recognition
of our profession while building a reliable knowledge bank that empowers members with relevant insights, practical intelligence, and emerging trends that will enhance decision-making and strengthen professional competence.
Equally important is the need to deepen our networks—among ourselves and with critical stakeholders across the tourism and hospitality ecosystem”.
Adesugba stated that no consultant thrives in isolation as progress depends on collaboration, trust, and strategic relationships.
By creating stronger connections among members and
granting access to credible contacts, our Association can enhance productivity, widen opportunities, and increase the resources available to professionals and businesses alike, Adesugba said.
He pointed out that the future of tourism and hospitality in Nigeria depends on an enabling environment shaped by thoughtful regulation, sustainable investment,
capacity development, safety, infrastructure, and ease of doing busines .
Adesugba noted that their responsibility is not only to identify what needs improvement, but also to work collaboratively with government institutions to design practical solutions.
The keynote address of late Mr. Kayode Victor, a highly respected hospitality professional with over 40 years of experience in the industry who passed away recently was delivered by Mrs Justina Ovat, a seasoned Learning and Development specialist with over a decade of experience in hospitality and academia, specializing in learning experience design and organizational performance.
There were goodwill messages also from Professor Wasiu Babalola, President and Chairman of Council of Nigeria Hotel and Catering Institute, NHCI and Chief Abiodun Odunsanwo, President of the Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) and others.
The high point of the AGM was the induction ceremony.
