Tarzan, Meke Get Tourism Practitioners Trustee Appointment

Seasoned tourism, maritime and hospitality experts Mr. Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun and  Frank Meke alongside four others have been inaugurated as Trustees of Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN).

Following wide and prolonged ATPN members and stakeholders consultations, the new ATPN Board of Trustees was inaugurated over the weekend, via virtual conference.

Other board members are:Alhaji Kabir Malan, Mr. John Best,  Chief Andy Ehanire and Hon. Abdulmumin Mapindi.

The Board Chairman, Alhaji Kabir Malan in a highly elated mood, reminded members that ATPN remains the precursors of an omnibus Tourism Association in Nigeria, with in depth institutional memory and expertise for resolving technical issues in tourism development.

True to type, the new board is made up of accomplished professionals in the diverse fields in tourism as to bring cutting edge visionary leadership and support to the Association and the tourism industry at large. The new board members took turns to eulogies Chief Amachree, the pioneer Board Chairman who laid a solid foundation for ATPN.

Members briefly reviewed the current challenges troubling the tourism industry, and were in accord that they were surmountable . There was the resolve to continue to ensure greater collaboration and synergy with wide stakeholders, including the public sector administrators. A moment of silence was given in honour of tourism’s fallen heroes, including the recent passing on of the FTAN President, Alh Rabo. The name of a foremost tourism writer, late Lanre Awoseyin, was recalled, and it was resolved that his flagship Journal, Hospitality and Tourism, must not be allowed to die.

There was also the resolve that the collective clout of the Board members will be rallied in support of the ATPN Executive Committee. A distinguished guest at the inauguration was the Acting FTAN President, Mr Nkeruwem Onuh of Remlords Tours.

By Roland Ekama