Travel Expert Warns: Unregistered Operators Crippling Nigeria's Travel Industry
A travel expert, Mustapha Mohammed, has issued a stark warning about the escalating activities of unregistered operators within Nigeria's travel sector, highlighting their devastating impact on legitimate businesses. In an interview with journalists in Lagos, Mohammed expressed deep concern over the proliferation of quacks masquerading as travel agents, which has not only damaged the reputation of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) but also resulted in significant financial and emotional losses for genuine practitioners.
Call for Stricter Measures to Combat Quackery
Mohammed, who is an aspirant for the position of First National Deputy President of NANTA at the upcoming yearly general meeting (AGM) in Ibadan, Oyo State, emphasized the urgent need for stricter measures to curb the operations of these unregistered individuals. Currently serving as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NANTA's Northern Zone, he noted that despite facing challenges, NANTA's membership has experienced steady growth, increasing to approximately 3,500 members over the past two years. However, he stressed that more decisive actions are required to sanitize the system and restore public confidence.
He stated, "One of the primary reasons I am contesting this position is to correct the misconceptions surrounding travel agencies. Our membership has been on the rise in the last two years, now standing at about 3,500. Yet, there are quacks in the system who are practicing illegally and misusing NANTA's name to defraud people, thereby bringing our association into disrepute. These quacks have dealt a severe blow to NANTA's image, but we are prepared to fight them, and I am confident we will succeed."
Emotional and Financial Toll on Legitimate Businesses
Mohammed elaborated on the profound effects of these unregistered operators, explaining that their impact is draining legitimate travel agencies both emotionally and financially. He remarked, "You cannot quantify the monetary damage inflicted on our business. When we assume leadership roles, these quacks will no longer be able to operate unchecked. We have a strict code of conduct that every member must adhere to, ensuring professionalism and integrity."
Additionally, he pointed out that some registered members have become inactive, a situation he described as requiring immediate attention. To address this, Mohammed disclosed ambitious plans to double the association's membership base before the next AGM through aggressive outreach campaigns. "We intend to conduct door-to-door campaigns to bring more practitioners into the fold while maintaining our current authentication platform for members," he added.
Experience and Vision for NANTA's Future
Discussing his motivation for seeking office, Mohammed highlighted his extensive experience in travel agency management and marketing, supported by several professional certifications, including courses from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). He also praised the current NANTA President, Yinka Folami, for enhancing the visibility and recognition of the association's leadership, pledging to collaborate with him to build on existing achievements.
On service delivery, Mohammed assured that NANTA members remain dedicated to protecting client interests by providing accurate and up-to-date travel information, particularly in visa processing. Regarding the issue of dwindling airline commissions, he acknowledged it as a global practice and urged travel agents to adapt by exploring alternative revenue streams, such as service charges. He further emphasized the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders to advocate for incentives that could improve travel agents' earnings.
