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.”