Esther Salifu
A bold wave of reform is sweeping through Nigeria’s tourism sector as young stakeholders under the banner of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) rally for dynamic,
forward -thinking leadership signaling a generational shift ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
Following a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the movement officially elected Amb. Phil Roberts, FCISM, FIHSD Nigeria’s Global Tourism Ambassador, as its project lead and preferred candidate for the FTAN presidential race.
Speaking to journalists after the engagement held in Abuja, Amb. Roberts expressed his readiness to lead FTAN into a new era.
He outlined key reforms within a transformative agenda, including sustainability and digital innovation, healthcare support for tourism practitioners, training and certification for tour guides, improved funding access, legislative engagement, international strategic partnerships, youth and women empowerment, revival of the National Tourism Calendar, tourism diplomacy, investment promotion, and organizational transparency.
“What we need now is visionary leadership that bridges policy and practice and returns power to the professionals driving this industry,” Roberts stated.
He added, “The United Nations and global tourism community have declared it’s time for youth to lead. Nigeria must not be left behind. The FTAN we want must be smart, responsive, professional, and globally competitive.”
With the FTAN AGM fast approaching, support for the #TheFTAN the organization want movement continues to grow.
For its backers, “this isn’t just about ambition ,it’s a collective vision to restore professionalism, structure, dignity, and sustainable growth to Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem”
