Bayelsa Tourism Institute concludes maiden annual conference

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Yenagoa, has successfully hosted its first National Annual Conference. The event showcased the institution’s academic prowess in tourism development.

The event brought together scholars, practitioners, and students from diverse fields.

In his welcome address, Prof. Apuega Arikawei, Rector of the institute, acknowledged the presence of participants for being part of the maiden edition.

He noted that academic conferences are an essential tradition of higher institutions. They provide a periodic platform for the cross-fertilization of ideas. These conferences also facilitate knowledge exchange.

Arikawei, however, emphasized that hosting such a conference was a true reflection of the institute’s maturity, growth, and academic viability. According to him, it fulfills its three-fold mandate of teaching, research, and professional development.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government and Chairman of the event who was represented by Prof. Paul B. Igbongidi, praised the Institute for taking bold steps. These steps advance both the ideals of the institute. They also support the vision of the prosperity administration through this academic gathering.

The SSG charged the Institute to continuously build on this foundation. This will further consolidate its commitment to practical learning. The Institute’s Ventures, such as Bakery, are especially important. Students gain practical knowledge and experience in bread production there. This is an example of “practicing what they teach.”

The success of the conference highlighted the Institute’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and industry relevance in tourism and hospitality.

The conference’s highlight was a book launch. Awards were also given to notable people of Bayelsa. They have contributed significantly to the Tourism and Hospitality industry in Bayelsa.

At the end of the conference, participants issued a communique. They identified some challenges in the tourism sector. Participants also made recommendations to improve the tourism sector in Nigeria.

The communique listed the challenges. One challenge is the lack of effective implementation of the National Standards Qualification Framework (NSQF). Relevant regulatory bodies are responsible for this implementation.

Lack of continuous training and development of personnel in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Lack of innovation and adaptability by stakeholders to cope with standard practices and emerging trends in the rapidly evolving industry.

Also listed as the challenge is the lack of resources, both human and material. These resources are needed to promote service delivery in the hospitality and tourism industry for effective service delivery, among others.

The conference urged government and relevant stakeholders to fully implement the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). This implementation focuses on the standardisation of the tourism and hospitality industry in Nigeria.

The communique called for the provision of infrastructural support and also to fund the implementation of the NSQF.

The conference called on relevant stakeholders and industry players to take advantage of the novel conference. It aims to enhance the professional competence of practitioners. This will promote economic viability and productivity.

Participants called for the review of the National Tourism Policy/Master Plan and Legislation. This review aims to support the professionalisation of the tourism sector. It includes the establishment of national standards and certification programmes.

The conference called for cooperation amongst all major service providers, industry players, and stakeholders with the sector regulatory bodies. This cooperation aims to achieve sanity through standard operations. It also seeks to ensure satisfactory quality assurance mechanisms in service delivery.

The communique also recommended investment in training for capacity building to enhance the professionalism of the workforce is most desirable.

The communique recommended mitigation of personnel shortages. Managers in the hospitality and tourism sector should prioritise respectful treatment of staff. Periodic review of employee benefits is essential. They should also focus on collaborative supervision and opportunities for training and career development.

Participants advocated for consistent research. They emphasized customer satisfaction as a key driver of professionalism and success in the tourism industry. This is especially important in this digital era.

The communique also recommended that tourism sector professional bodies should increase advocacy. This includes the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN). Organizations like the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) and trade union of professional bodies should enhance sensitisation. Regulatory bodies such as NIHOTOUR and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) should focus on awareness and implementation activities. These efforts are needed to ensure compliance for quality services.

The government should play a key role in supporting these efforts through funding, policy support, regulations, and collaboration.

The conference commended the remarkable milestone. Critical stakeholders in the sector need to look forward to many more impactful engagements. These engagements will shape the future of the Tourism and Hospitality sector in Bayelsa State. They will also impact Nigeria significantly. This will lead to improved revenue earnings.