The Association of Travel and Tourism Writers of Nigeria (ATTWON) has refuted claims made by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) regarding their exclusive status as the sole registered association for travel and tourism writers in Nigeria.

The ANJET publication asserting exclusive status as the sole registered association for travel and tourism writers has been characterized as misleading by ATTWON. ATTWON emphasizes that it was, in fact, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on June 10, 2016, under number RC CAC/IT/ No 88082, making it the first and only association of travel and tourism writers, encompassing journalists, photographers, editors, and tourism professionals committed to the advancement of the industry in Nigeria.

In a formal statement entitled “ATTWON, ANJET, and the Tourism Industry: Setting The Records Straight,” signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Annabel Kufre, and distributed to press, ATTWON acknowledged that approximately eight years ago, a collective of travel and tourism journalists and enthusiasts established the Association of Travel and Tourism Writers of Nigeria.

“The move was informed by a deep conviction to selflessly galvanise the industry to achieve its vast potential and serve as a major economic hub for the nation.

“Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on June 10, 2016, RC CAC/IT/ No 88082, ATTWON, thus, became the first and only association of travel and tourism writers, including journalists, photographers, editors, and tourism professionals dedicated to the development of the industry.

“At inception, ATTWON saw the need to bring the country’s travel media and tourism industry closer in unity for a positive transformation of the industry while showcasing the tourism potentials of the country on the global tourism map,” the statement reads.

“And ever since, ATTWON has been promoting responsible journalism, and domestic tourism, supporting and developing members, and encouraging the conservation and preservation of travel resources in Nigeria.

“This is contrary to the misleading publication made by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), claiming exclusive status as the only registered association for travel and tourism writers.

“We find it necessary to set the records straight and ensure accurate information is conveyed to the industry stakeholders and the public.”

 

ATTWON also highlighted that in addition to its members, there exist other freelance travel and tourism journalists, writers, and television producers who diligently advocate for the industry and the country's extensive tourism opportunities. These individuals, in their respective roles, engage with industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies to enhance the sector as a whole.

“For us at ATTWON, this multiplicity of actors in the writing and reporting segment of the sector absolutely bodes well for the industry.

“We, therefore, state, unequivocally, that it is absolutely delusionary of ANJET to think their members are the only travel and tourism journalists in the country, or to wear the toga of the one who defines who a travel journalist is and who the supervising ministry and agencies would relate with in furthering the cause of the sector.

“We also state, unequivocally, that the monopoly that ANJET seeks to perpetuate in this modern age of journalism is not just befuddling and unimaginable, it is clearly self-serving and limits the possibilities for the sector. This move – this ANJET stance – is abhorred and must be consciously rejected by the industry and everyone who truly loves to see the industry develop.

“ANJET is not, in fact, a registered association for travel and tourism writers. The claim they make regarding their exclusive registration status lacks any basis in reality. We respectfully request that they provide evidence to substantiate these allegations, as ours is the only verified and recognized association of travel and tourism writers in this sector.”