He stressed that Nigeria’s tourism industry requires a coordinated framework that encourages business growth, strengthens professional standards and creates an enabling environment for investors and tourism operators.
According to him, one of FTAN’s major priorities is to ensure that the organised private sector has a meaningful role in shaping and implementing tourism policies, rather than being consulted only after decisions have been made.
He noted that hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, restaurants, event managers and other industry practitioners understand the operational challenges facing tourism businesses. Their experiences, he argued, should inform the policies and regulations governing the sector.
Badaki also addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding the National Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) Act and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act, maintaining that FTAN’s position is based on engagement and the need for a more coordinated regulatory environment.
He explained that the federation was not opposed to regulation but wanted policies that promote professionalism, uphold industry standards and support the sustainable growth of tourism enterprises.
The FTAN president maintained that tourism policies would be more effective when developed in consultation with industry operators and professional associations.
He called for stronger cooperation between government institutions, educational organisations, investors, technology providers and tourism businesses, noting that no single institution could transform the sector independently.
Badaki said FTAN would continue to pursue these objectives through its Tourism Transformation Mandate, which focuses on stronger industry associations, investment promotion, improved professional standards, greater destination visibility and closer collaboration between government and the private sector.
He urged HATMAN and other tourism associations to strengthen their collective efforts, arguing that a united and professionally organised private sector would be better positioned to influence policy and contribute to national economic development.
The FTAN president, who also serves as Chairman of HATMAN’s Board of Trustees, commended the association for sustaining its professional platform over the past 20 years.
He described the conference theme, “Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Agenda: Implications for Global Transformation in Hospitality and Tourism,” as timely, noting that digital technology and artificial intelligence are changing how travellers discover destinations and experience hospitality services.
According to Badaki, adopting appropriate technologies could help Nigerian tourism businesses improve service delivery, reduce operating costs, reach wider markets, attract investment and create employment opportunities.
He cautioned, however, that technology alone would not deliver the desired transformation without skilled professionals, reliable infrastructure, supportive policies and stronger cooperation among stakeholders.
He said Nigeria must combine technological innovation with its cultural heritage and tradition of hospitality while maintaining the professional standards needed to compete internationally.
As part of his recommendations, Badaki urged HATMAN to prioritise digital skills training, encourage small and medium-sized hospitality businesses to adopt affordable technology, improve professional standards and establish stronger partnerships with educational institutions and technology providers.
He also challenged the association to translate the knowledge gained at the conference into practical programmes that would benefit its members, support small businesses and encourage innovation among young people.
Badaki emphasised that the success of the sector should be measured by tangible outcomes, including investment, job creation, business expansion and sustainable economic growth, rather than the number of conferences held or policies announced.
He called on the government to provide an enabling policy environment while ensuring that relevant laws and institutional responsibilities are properly aligned to minimise conflicts and improve coordination.
The FTAN president maintained that Nigeria has considerable tourism potential but requires sustained commitment, effective policies and stronger partnerships to convert its attractions and cultural resources into economic opportunities.
He urged all stakeholders to work towards an inclusive, investment-ready and globally competitive tourism industry that creates lasting value for Nigerians.
Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia
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