NIHOTOUR to.profeseiinalise tourism journalism, pledges certification, training, protection from quackery – DG Aare Bisoye declares 

 

 

The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), *Aare Dr. Abisoye Fagade, FNHT*, has declared that tourism journalism is now officially recognized as one of the critical trades within Nigeria’s tourism value chain, and must be professionalized, certified and protected from quackery.

 

The DG made this landmark declaration in his goodwill message delivered by Abba shehu at the *Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) Conference and Awards 2026*, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Friday

 

Represented at the event by Dr Abba, a senior management official, Aare Fagade conveyed the warm felicitations of NIHOTOUR to the President, Executive Members and entire membership of ANJET.

 

*COMMENDS ANJET FOR EXCELLENCE*

 

The DG commended the leadership of ANJET for sustaining the conference and awards platform which he said recognizes excellence, promotes professional development and advances the cause of tourism journalism in Nigeria.

 

“Your commitment to promoting tourism through responsible reporting, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with industry stakeholders deserves recognition and encouragement,” he stated.

 

*NIHOTOUR-ANJET PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON COLLABORATION*

 

Aare Fagade emphasized the strategic importance of a strong and collaborative relationship between NIHOTOUR and ANJET, noting that the relationship reflects a shared commitment to developing Nigeria’s tourism industry through professionalism, capacity building, public awareness and promotion of the country’s rich tourism potential.

 

He disclosed that in furtherance of this commitment, NIHOTOUR has offered series of training programmes to members of ANJET, underscoring the Institute’s belief that tourism journalists are important partners in national tourism development.

 

“We believe that tourism journalism goes beyond reporting events and activities. It involves telling Nigeria’s tourism story to the world, promoting our cultural heritage, showcasing our natural attractions, encouraging domestic tourism, attracting investment, and creating public awareness about the economic and social benefits of tourism,” the DG stated.

 

He added that through reports, features, documentaries and interviews, ANJET members help connect tourism destinations and service providers with the public, while also providing a platform for constructive criticism, accountability and informed public discourse.

 

*TOURISM JOURNALISM AS CRITICAL TRADE – TO BE CERTIFIED AND REGISTERED*

 

In a major policy pronouncement, the NIHOTOUR DG declared:

 

“NIHOTOUR recognizes tourism journalism as one of the critical trades within the tourism value chain. The successful development of tourism depends not only on hotels, travel agencies, tour operators and tour guides, but also on professionals who communicate tourism experiences, interpret destinations and shape public understanding of tourism.”

 

He said tourism journalists play a vital role in influencing destination image, promoting cultural understanding, informing travellers, attracting visitors and creating awareness of investment opportunities.

 

Consequently, NIHOTOUR will treat tourism journalism as an important area for professional development, standardization, certification and registration within its broader mandate of developing and professionalizing Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism workforce.

 

“Our objective is to ensure practitioners possess appropriate knowledge, relevant skills, ethical orientation and professional competence. Professional registration and certification are not intended to create barriers for genuine practitioners, but to promote competence, recognize qualified professionals, establish standards and strengthen public confidence,” Fagade explained.

 

*WAR AGAINST QUACKERY, BUT INCLUSIVE APPROACH*

 

The DG stressed that tourism journalism must be protected from quackery, unprofessional practices and individuals exploiting the growing importance of tourism communication without requisite competence or commitment to ethics.

 

However, he assured that the process will be inclusive and recognize the valuable experience of existing practitioners. The professionalization will be pursued through constructive engagement, stakeholder consultation, appropriate training and clear guidelines that give genuine practitioners opportunities to acquire competencies and obtain professional recognition.

 

In this regard, NIHOTOUR will work closely with ANJET to develop a practical framework for training, certification and registration of tourism journalists in line with its statutory mandate.

 

*THE WAY FORWARD*

 

Aare Fagade urged ANJET members to continue upholding highest standards of accuracy, fairness, objectivity and ethical conduct.

 

“Tourism journalism has the power to shape perceptions, influence decisions, attract investment and inspire citizens to appreciate their country’s tourism resources. With this power comes responsibility to report accurately and contribute constructively to national development,” he said.

 

He encouraged ANJET to continue partnering with NIHOTOUR in identifying capacity-building needs and encouraging members to embrace certification and registration as instruments for career development.

 

“We are confident that a closer working relationship between NIHOTOUR and ANJET will produce lasting benefits for tourism practitioners, media professionals, industry operators, government institutions and the Nigerian public. Together, we can build an industry where competence is recognized and professionalism is rewarded,” he added.

 

*CONGRATULATES AWARDEES*

 

The DG congratulated the leadership of ANJET for successful organization of the 2026 Conference and Awards and congratulated all nominees and award recipients, describing their recognition as encouragement to continue contributing to growth of tourism journalism.

 

He reaffirmed NIHOTOUR’s commitment to a cordial, productive and mutually beneficial relationship with ANJET.

 

“Together, let us professionalize tourism journalism, promote credible tourism reporting, protect the profession from quackery and tell Nigeria’s tourism story with excellence, integrity and pride,” he concluded.

 

 

 

*ABOUT NIHOTOUR:*

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism is the apex institution mandated by law to train, certify and register personnel in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry.

 

*ABOUT ANJET:*

The Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism is the umbrella body of journalists and writers specializing in travel, tourism, hospitality and industry related reporting.

 

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