A two-day activities have been unveiled to hold between November 13 and 14, 2025, with the general session of the Association, courtesy visit to the Imo State Ministry for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture and some of the stakeholders in the State, slated for November 13.

The inauguration of the Executive, which will attract members of the Association and other stakeholders, including operators in the government circle in the five South East states (Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi), will hold on November 14 at the Muna Suites, Off Port Harcourt Road, New Owerri, Imo State.

Also expected in attendance is a Fellow and former Second Deputy President of HATMAN, Dr Rosemary Aji, who will be bringing her wealth of experiences towards increasing HATMAN’s presence in Abia State. The National officials of the Association, with its National President, Dr (Mrs) Lillian Managwu and Board Chairman, Dr Aliyu Badaki, who is also the National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), will be heading the team from the national level.

The new Executive to be inaugurated is headed by Dr Ndidi Ezeibe as Zonal Vice President and five State Coordinators: Dr Peace Uhuegbu-Imo State; Dr Callister Ogbu-agha-Ebonyi State; Prof. Elochukwu Nwankwo-Enugu State; and Grace Okeke-Anambra State.

As a professional body, HATMAN was established in 1996, with a spread across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja. It brings together professionals and operators, including academics, scholars and students from all sectors of the hospitality industry and its allied sectors.

HATMAN’s mission is to unite and empower professionals in the hospitality and tourism sector, foster knowledge sharing, promote industry standards, and advance career development.

While its vision is to be the leading professional body in Nigeria, significantly contributing to the growth and development of the  nation’s hospitality and tourism industry by shaping its future through education, innovation, and opportunity.

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Managwu made this disclosure at the opening of the 19^th Annual International Conference of HATMAN 2025 ongoing in Kano. According to her, ‘‘our conference every year serves as a platform for thought, leadership, professional exchange and strategic engagement and also provides an avenue for the transformation of ideas into actionable policies and innovations.’’

Speaking on the theme of the conference; Tourism Development: Sub sectorial Policies, Politics and Strategies for Inclusiveness,’’ which she said it is very timely and relevant, she decried the lack of progress in the sector, saying, ‘‘despite our rich natural attractions, diverse culture and human resources, our industry continues to face challenges of policies inconsistency, infrastructure deficit and lack of coordination among sub sectors.

‘‘The reality is that tourism cannot function effectively in silos, All forms of stakeholders – hospitality sectors, transport services, travel agencies, tour operators and local/host communities must see themselves as critical components of the same value chain.

‘‘For our industry to thrive, all stakeholders must not only co-exist but must collaborate under a well-structured and inclusive policy framework.’’ To this end, she called on the stakeholders and relevant government Ministries, Developments and Agencies to have a sit at the table to discuss on the reality of the moment and evolve politics and policies that will serve the people’s interest and not personal interest.

According to her, ‘‘the 19^th annual conference provides us with the opportunity to interrogate these issues. Later today, we will be listening to our distinguished speakers and panelists who will dissect the interplay between policy, politics, and inclusiveness in tourism development.

‘‘I believe their presentations will help us explore models that work, identify gaps that hinder growth and build strategies that can help our country position tourism as a cornerstone of economic and social transformation.’’

Managwu charged her members to be committed to the ideas and tenets of HATMAN, stressing, ‘‘as HATMAN, our mission remains clear; to be the professional voice and moral compass for hospitality and tourism management in Nigeria, advocating for excellence, ethical practice and continuous professional development.’’

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