ATHCON activates with the induction of Fellows and other Membership Grades

… Sets to Self Regulate.

The Association of Tourism & Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON) on Saturday 11th December 2021 inducted industry experts and professionals in the field of tourism and hospitality into various membership grades at a well attended event held at Lagos, Nigeria. The event triples as the formal presentation of the Association, the formal induction into its professional membership grades and avenue to explore and trigger the need for synergy among tourism and hospitality experts, subject matter specialists and advocates to support the efforts of government and other professional bodies to get rid of quacks operating within the industry as well as provide an enduring platform that guarantees values to the investors.

According to the President of the Association, Mr Olatunde Oluloye fthc; ATHCON was established in 2012 with the aim of promoting high ethical standards in tourism and hospitality consultancy practices and to sieve out quacks which are predominant in the industry at the moment. One significant feature of ATHCON is the mandatory membership of existing tourism and hospitality professional bodies in Nigeria for anyone interested in its membership. Mr Colin Waterton, a Trustee of the Association, joined the event via zoom from his base in the United Kingdom. He applauded the desires of industry professionals to take the bull by the horn in ensuring sanity not only returns to the consultancy business in tourism and hospitality in Nigeria, but that such standards are sustained.

Mr. Adedayo Adesugba fthc, the Deputy President of the Association presented the code of conduct which all members by virtue of their membership are subscribed to and be binding on any future members. The code of conduct sets standards as regards members relationships among themselves as well as with investors. The most interesting of the ATHCON’s membership is the performance guarantee extended to prospective investors that may be requiring the services of its members.

The Executive Secretary, Professor Wasiu Babalola used the occasion to appreciate all ATHCON Secretariat Staff who had been working pro bono since inception. He stated further that ATHCON has created membership grades which are extended to industry players based on years of experiences, membership of any of the existing but recognised tourism and hospitality professional bodies, academic qualifications and relevant trainings attended as well as contributions to the tourism and hospitality consultancy practices in Nigeria. The membership grades are listed as follows: Corporate – Firms in Consultancy Practice; Fellow – Highest Membership Level. Usage of the Acronym FTHC after the name; Member – For Senior Consultants in practice but less than 10 years in practice. Usage of the Acronym MTHC after name, Associate – For consultants in paid employment or General Managers. Usage of the Acronym ATHC after name. And Affiliate / Licentiate – For those in consultancy practice but requiring some level of technical trainings to meet minimum requirements of membership.

Also, ATHCON has created a Certification system for consultants to specialise in either or both area of the industry with any of the following consultancy certifications / proficiencies:

CTC – Certified Tourism Consultant

CHC – Certified Hospitality Consultant

CT&HC – Certified Tourism & Hospitality Consultant

Members who successfully complete the Certification Examination shall be issued a Certificate and a Seal with membership details therein. Such certification is to be renewed every three (3) years upon meeting set recertification criteria.

Among the inductees admitted into the Association’s Fellow Membership grade were Alhaji Gbenga Sunmonu, the National President & Chairman of Council of the Nigeria Hotel & Catering Institute (NHCI); the Directors of HSSL Global Limited (formerly, Hotel Supports Services Limited), Dr Ayo Olowoporoku, Mr Oladele Coker and Mr Oladipo Efunkoya. Also inducted as fellows were Mrs Kehinde Daniel, the Past Honorary Chairperson of the Institute of Hospitality, UK – Nigeria International Branch; Mrs Justina Ovat, President of Women in Hospitality in Nigeria and Vice President South-South of the Federation of Tourism Association in Nigeria; Mr Olumide Metilelu, the Deputy Rector (Academics) at Lagos State Polytechnic; and industry veteran, Alhaji Gbolahan Bankole. Inducted into the fellow grade were Mr Femi Falebita, the Honorary Vice Chairman & CPD Chair, Institute of Hospitality, UK – Nigeria International Branch; Mr Victor Kayode, the National 1st Vice President of the Nigerian Hotel & Catering Institute; Mr Kunle Olusola; Mr Edward Akerele, Business Development Director at Continent Worldwide Hotels, Turkey; Chief Francis Ogosi, Mr Babatunde Yeye, Mr Akinwumi Morakinyo and Mrs Koya Ahmiegbe, Country Director for Admin & Training at International Hospitality Institute and the Deputy Executive Secretary of ATHCON. 10 professionals were inducted into the Member grade and 4 individuals into the Associate grade.

In realisation of its aims and objectives since 2012; ATHCON pushes for industry based regulation, drives new industry values and strengthen existing tourism and hospitality professional bodies.