Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), has appealed to professional bodies in the tourism and hospitality industry, to sanitise the sector for growth and development.

Kangiwa made the appeal during a courtesy visit of the executive members of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), led by the National President, Ime Udo in Abuja.

He said the sanitisation aimed at registering professionals in their folds and guard against the infiltration of quacks into the sector.

According to him, it is time people discarded the erroneous impression that to practice in tourism and hospitality fields, is simple and easy without requiring formal training and thus opened to all comers.

“Practicing in any of the professional arms of the industry, one does not only need formal training for a start but it must be a continuous exercise to train and re-train.

”This is to be adequately equipped with the requisite skills for competency and proficiency in professional conducts in line with best global practices,” he said.

NIHOTOUR boss added that the institute (NIHOTOUR) was available to offer quality training services , to all practicing and intending members of the public in all tourism and hospitality trades.

“NIHOTOUR is ready to partner with all professional bodies in the industry including NATOP for massive training of members.

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“This is part of efforts to overcome the challenges of existing skill gaps in the sector, which is hindering effective, efficient and quality service delivery.

Speaking earlier, Mrs Udo , NATOP President, said that the solidarity visit to the institute , aimed at viewing different ways in exploring possible synergy in the area of manpower training and capacity development of its members.

She stressed that Nigerian tourism industry, was in dire need of synergy between critical stakeholders and key players of the industry in both public and private sectors.

NATOP added that part of her campaign promises was to take NATOP to its pinnacle, as a professional body in tour operations in the country.

“I seek for strong partnership with NIHOTOUR to strengthen NATOP, as a force to be reckoned with, in terms of ethical professional conducts and practices,” he said.

(NAN)